iEx  ICtbrtfi 


SEYMOUR  DURST 


'When  you  leave,  please  leave  this  book 

Because  it  has  been  said 
"Ever'thing  comes  t'  him  who  waits 

Except  a  loaned  book." 


OLD   YORK    LIBRARY  —  OLD   YORK  FOUNDATION 


Avery  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
Gift  of  Seymour  B.  Durst  Old  York  Library 


1 


I 

I 


"Sttc- 

THIRTIETH  CONGRESS— SECOND  SESSION. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


HOUSE  OF  REPRESEITATIYES. 


REPORT 

FROM  THE 

SECRETARY  OF  THE  TREASURY, 

On  the  Warehousing  systein. 


February  28,  1849. 

Laid  upon  the  table,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


Treasury  Department,  •* 
February  22,  1849. 

Sir:  This  department,  under  the  authority  granted  by  the  5th 
section  of  the  warehousing  law  of  the  6th  August,  1846,  has  issued 
new  and  additional  regulations,  a  copy  of  which,  marked  A,  will 
be  found  annexed.  These  regulations  are  based  upon  an  experi- 
ence of  the  practical  operation-of  the  law  in  this  country  during 
the  last  two  years,  as  well  as  upon  very  full  information  upon, the 
same  subject  obtained  from  the  continent  of  Europe,  and  also  from 
Great  Britain.  It  is  believ^ed  that  there  is  scarcely  an  act  passed 
by  the  British  parliament  that  has  aidec^more  than  her  warehousing 
law  to  augment  her  manufactures,  commerce,  tonnage  and  revenue. 
This  is  the  opinion  of  all  her  statesmen  ^nd  business  classes,  and  not 
a  vote,  ife'is  believed,  could  be  obtained  in  either  house  of  parlia- 
ment for  its  repeal,  although  in  its  inception  the  system  encountered 
even  greater  and  more  violent  opposition  there  than  in  our  own  coun- 
try. Since  it  was  perfected  there,  the  commerce  of  Great  Britain 
has  more  than  quadrupled,  the  bonded  goods  remaining  in  ware- 
house having  risen  in  August,  1S47,  according  to  the  statement  of 
the  commissioners  attached  to  my  report  of  December,  1847,  to  the 
value  of  $387,200-,000.  The  docks,  structures  and  buildings  in 
which  these  goods  were  stored,  cost  in  London  alone,  according  to 
the  same  statement,  §40,000,000;  and  in  the  whole  British  empire, 
are  estimated  at  nt:arly  double  that  sum.  It  is  thus  seen  how  Great 
Britain  has  made  herself  the  centre  of  universal  commerce  and  ex- 
changes, and  the  storehouse  of  the  business  of  the  world.    She  has 


2  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

the  almo^^t  incredible  amount  of  near  four  hundre.l  millions  of  fo- 
i/n  ?nuVons  stored  in  her  .locks  and  warehouses,  so  as  to  furiiish 
'^^  .^Hrarloes  of  every  product  and  fabric  of  the  earth,  and  of 
^  ^t^:  ;^^X^<^^''^  q-'i.y.  She  .^'.us  makes  herself  the 
factor  of  a  1  nations,  and  the  productions  of  he  industry  of  a  1 
mankind  are  stored  in  her  warehouses,  and  sold  by  her  merchants 
To  he  people  of  every  country.  The  profit  thus  realized  .s  im- 
Lense,  and^raws  with  it  the  command  of  the  trade  and  bus.ness 
me.ifce,  diiu  ^j^^gg  warehoused  fo- 

^e"g:';rufa  'e\:r°'lln  ^l^Js  and  fabrics,  ready  for  sale  at 
reign  gLu  i.^)  brincrinff  to  her  ports  the  vessels  of  all  na- 

\Zt  fo"  c  r'  0°  s' of  11  Sei"  n  Vodnctio'ns,  the  purchasers,  to  com- 
nlete  as' ortments,  also  take  wilh  them  vast  amounts  of  Br.Ush  ar- 
£e/a;d  thus  Great  Britain,  whilst  commanding  the  commerce 
and  specie  of  other  countries,  augments  the  sale  of  her  own  pro- 

'"In  aTtin^ve  examination  of  the  globe,  and  o\  the  relative  posi- 
tiot  of  Us  several  countries,  will  exhtbit  our  great  advanUges  over 
Great  Britain  as  a  centre  for  universal  commerce.  The  latter  has 
^0  .reft  nterior  country  to  supply  any  of  her  ports  h  bustnes 
^hP  bas  no  mighty  lakes  or  rivers,  no  great  expanse  of  surface,  nor 
ct^  he  be  connected  with  the  continent  by  ra.lroads  or  canak. 
Her  soil  is  less  fertile,  her  climate  iess  genial  and  favorable,  em- 
Sacing  by  no  means  ^uch  a  variety  of  products;  and  great  as  are 
i  r  minerll  resources,  they  are  by  no  means  '^^'^.^  l\ 
'  tn  niir  own     Her  posit  on  is  less  central,  ha\ing  north  oi 

Cmuch  l  s"  tZ'one  ten^h  of  the  arable  surface  of  the  globe 
1h  less  also  than  one-tenth  of  its  population;  whereas,  if  we  turn 
to  oir  own  country,  in  view  both  of 'latitude  and    ongitude  corn- 
lined  with  our  fronts  upon  both  oceans  and  upon  the  gulf,  we  are, 
J  nearTv  as  can  be,  the^centre  of  the  arable  surface  the  population 
Tnd  bus  n'ess  of  the  world.    Our  great  interior  lakes  and  nvers, 
thh  our  rapidly  extending  net  work  of  railroads  and  canaU,  bring 
Tng  to  ou  p^  rts\he  interior  commerce  of  a  continent  with  numer- 
ous deep  and  capacious  harbors  on  both  oceans,  accessible  at  al 
t?mes  and  -ith  ^very  vari.ty  of  climate  soil  an  .produ^  ,  a 
w^rlr-nltiiral    ffive  to  us  an  unrivalled  position,    lhat  ^rear 
p  1  T  ne  erthelf  s,  wi^^  so  many  local  disadvantages,  should  I 
L"^  mLde  he   el  the'  cintre  of  universal  trade,  is  the  highest  proof  F 
nMhe  genius  and  enterprise,  the  energy  and  perseverance,  and  es- 
.  , Ill  thrwTse  legislation  on  this  subject  of  that  great  country, 
la     tie  molt  delrate  investigation  during  the  last  three  years 
h  ifmy  firm  conviction  that  without  her  warehousing  s)  stem,  cher 

r^ihi^hVas  made'  hl^^L  ,torehous'e  of  ^j-JvorUl    and  gi.ng 

i:;gt  r r ;r:i*L^rSio^  S tr^  eit  doc^  ar.d 

tarlhouses  are  stored  the  products  and  fabrics  of  all  countries  to- 
other wih  her  own,  and  she  has  thus  become  the  point  where  in- 
fernational  exchang  s  are  made,  and  where  trade  and  specie  hav. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


3 


centered.  If  we  would  enter  into  a  fair  and  honorable  competition 
with  her  for  this  carrying  trade,  and  cominerce  and  specie,  we  must 
avail  ourselves  of  the  lights  of  experience,  and  introduce  here, 
with  some  changes  adapted  to  our  position,  a  similar  warehousing 
system.  When  foreign  or  American  vessels  come  to  our  own 
ports,  they  must  be  enabled  here,  as  in  Great  Britain,  to  load  and 
unload  with  the  utmost  facility,  economy  and  despatch,  at  all  times 
and  in  all  seasons. 

They  must  also  be  enabled  to  obtain,  without  delay,  in  our  ports, 
assorted  cargoes  of  our  own  products  and  fabrics,  as  well  as  those  of 
all  other  countries,  of  every  quality,  character,  and  price.  These  for- 
eign and  domestic  products  and  fabrics  must  be  collected  in  our  ware- 
houses as  they  are  in  London,  ready  at  all  times  for  immediate  purchase 
and  shipment,  so  that  any  vessel  arriving  at  our  ports  can  always 
obtain  at  once  full  and  assorted  cargoes.  It  is  only  thus  that  ves- 
sels sure  of  return  cargoes  can  be  brought  to  our  ports  on  the  best 
terras,  diminishing  freights,  whilst  augmenting  our  carrying  trade 
and  aggregate  profits  of  navigation.  It  will  be  perceived,  on  exa- 
mination of  the  new  regulations,  hereto  appended,  that  this  depart- 
ment, as  indicated  in  my  reports  of  December,  1847  and  1848,  has 
introduced  the  system  of  private  competition  for  storage  to  the  full 
extent  authorized  by  existing  laws,  combining,  as  permitted  there- 
by, public  and  private  stores^  and  protecting  the  interests  of  the 
government  and  merchant  by  every  safeguard  in  the  power  of  the 
department,  suggested  by  experience  and  investigation.  In  order, 
however,  to  give  our  warehousing  system  all  the  advantages  that 
are  possessed  in  Great  Britain,  the  following  changes  are  indispen- 
pensable.  The  provisions  of  the  act  of  17th  June,  1844,  limiting 
the  inspectors  to  the'number  employed  at  that  date,  must  be  modi- 
fied in  some  respects,  as  these  officers  are  required  by  the  ware- 
housing laws  to  keep  the  key  and  have  charge  of  private  bonded 
stores.  If  these  private  stores  are  to  be  scattered  over  our  great 
ports,  as  the  convenience  of  commerce  may  dictate,  and  as  to  a  fair 
and  reasonable  extent  they  should  be  under  proper  regulations,  if 
the  warehousing  business  should  progress  as  it  has  done  for  the 
last  two  years,  the  inspectors  must  be  augmented  beyond  the  num- 
ber authorized  by  that  act.  The  warehousing  act  allows  the  im- 
porter, whose  private  store  is  used  for  the  warehousing  of  foreign 
goods  on  ^vhich  the  duties  have  not  been  paid,  to  keep  one  key, 
and  requires  an  inspector  of  the  revenue  to  keep  another,  the  law 
directing  a  joint  custody  with  two  different  kinds  of  locks  and  dif- 
ferent keys  in  the  possession  of  each,  respectively,  so  that  the 
importer  could  not  have  access  to  such  bonded  goods  in  private 
stores  except  in  the  presence  of  the  inspector,  the  act  forbidding 
the  importer  ''access  to  the  goods  except  in  the  presence  of  the 
proper  officer  of  the  customs." 

The  expense  of  furnishing  such  inspectors  for  private  stores, 
should,  of  course,  be  borne  hy  the  importers,  for  whose  convenience 
and  benefit  this  arrangement  is  made,  and  who  can  only  exhibit  the 
goods  or  withdraw  packages  for  sale,  or  re-exportation  from  time 
to  time  under  the  law,  "in  the  presence  of"  an  inspector.  After 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


much  deliberation  and  enquiry,  my  mind  has  been  brought  to  the 
conclusion,  that  this  expense  could  best  be  arranged  by  an  equita- 
ble apportionment  of  the  compensation  paid  lb  inspectors,  to  be  re- 
funded by  such  importers;  the  amount  to  be  fixed  in  each  case  by 
the  col'ector,  with  the  approbation*of  the  Secretary  of  the  Trea- 
sury or  by  adopting  the  principle  of  half  storage,  with  a  view  to 
cover  the  expense  which  has  operated  so  well  in  some  of  the  ports, 
leavine  to  the  importer  the  option  between  these  two  modes  ot 
navm.  nt-  and  this  is  the  principle  upon  which  the  present  instruc- 
tions are' based.    Under  the  law,  however,  as  it  now  stands  in  our 
il.trpst  norts  it  will  be  impossible  to  put  the  system  as  to  private 
sX  into  fuiroperation,un^less  the  ac't  of  17th  June,  1844,  before 
referred  to,  should  be  modified;  inasmuch,  as  whilst  one  inspec- 
tor might  suffice  for  one  vast  public  bonded  store,  a  considerable^ 
number  would  be  required  for  the  private  stores  of  the  importers 
Scattered  over  a  great  city.  So  far  as  the  government  is  concerned, 
U  is  obvious,  that  in  the  large  ports,  the  great  public  stores,  equal 
r,  canacitY  to  a  dozen  private  stores,  are  the  most  economical,  and 
in  these  must  be  stored,  under  any  arrangements,, the  unclaimed 
.nds  amounting  in  New  York  (by  the  returns  of  the  collector) 
f:t:yT.eTnr.^  the  last  two  years,  of  §14,617,658.    If,  how- 
Pver  the  importers  claim  the  goods,  and  the  privileges  of  ware- 
housing in  their  own  private  stores,  they  ought,  in  my  judgment,  to 
be  permitted  to  do  so,  in  the  manner  provided  in  the  regulations 
ard  instructions  now  issued  by  this  department 

The  stores  agreed  upon  by  the  importer  and  collector,  with  the 
rest  ictions  above  designated,  are  the  only  private  stores  now  au- 
IhoLeA  by  law.  In  all  other  cases,  the  stores  must  be  rented  on 
inorizeu    J  reauired  by  the  provisions  of  the  6th  section  of 

a"t  of  tre  3rM:?ch  184^,  whi?h  is  in  full  force  artd  in  these 
"Section  6.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  all  stores  here- 
after Vented  by  the  collector,  naval  officer  or  surveyor,  shall  be  on 
pub  ic  account  and  paid  for  by  the  collector  as  such,  and  shall  be  ap- 
Cpriated  exclusively  to  the  use  of  receiving  foreigh  merchandize, 
subjC,  as  to  Ihe^rates  of  storage,  to  regulation  by  the  Secretary 

"Vie  law,''then,'  as  it  now  stands,  authorizes  but  two  classes  of 
.tores  namely,  public  and  private  stores.  The  first  as  we  have 
en  must  be^'' r^ented  on  public  account  and  paid  for  by  the  col- 
lector-" the  second,  are  the  private  stores  agreed  upon  as  before 
seated',  and  must  be  kept  under  the  regulations  heretofore  quoted 

''%^ndM"t'he*'cbus'rof  the  law  authorizing  private  stores  in  certain 
r«ses  a  very  important  question  has  been  picsented  for  my  con- 
sfderation,  w  hether  in  view- of  the  very  large  discretionary  powers 
veste'l  this  department  by  the  5th  section  of  the  warehousing 
U w  t  "s  competent  to  extend  the  privilege  of  storage  in  private 
fnrU  to  the  goods  of  Several  importers  in  one  such  store  when  re- 
oulsted  by  thtm.  ,Upon  mature  deliberation,  I  have  come  to  the 
^  n  .hision  that  this  maybe  done,  and  have  accordingly  so  author- 
Led  unde^    gulations  combining  the  most  perfect  indemnity  and 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


5 


security  to  the  government,  with  great  convenience  and  economy 
to  the  merchants.  These  will  not  be  public  stores,  and  no  rent 
will  be  paid  for  them  by  the  government,  but  they  will  be  used  as 
private  stores,  denominated  in  the  law  otner  stores  to  be  agreed 
upon  by  the  collector  or  chief  revenue  officer  ot  the  port,  and  the 
importer,  owner  or  consignee."  In  these  cases,  however,  the 
person  who  is  permitted  by  the  collector  to  have  such  private 
bonded  stores,  must  be  constituted  by  each  of  the  importers  using- 
the  same  their  agent,  who  must  keep  the  importer's  key,  as  au- 
thorized by  law,  whilst  the  ifispector  will  keep  another  and  dis- 
tinct key,  so  that  no  access  can  be  had  to  the  goods,  except  in  the 
presence  of  the  inspector. 

In  this  case,  however,  where  several  importers  thus  use  one  pri- 
vate store,  thus  guarded  and  secured,  in  addition  to  the  custody  of 
the  goods  under  the  lock  of  the  inspector,  and  the  bond  for  the 
duties  required  from  the  importer,  the  collector  must  also  exact 
from  the  agent  of  the  importers  who  keeps  the  store,  a  bond  with 
sufficient  sureties,  to  indemnify  the  government  against  loss.  This 
is  substantially  the  system  of  private  competition  for  storage  and 
labor  introduced  into  Great  Britain,  and  which  has  been  attended 
the  e  'vith  such  wonderful  success,  and  has  made  that  countr.y  the 
storehouse  of  the  products  and  fabrics  of  the  world.  In  the  ab- 
sence of  such  regulations  this  department  feels  well  assured  that 
the  warehousing  business  in  the  United  States  can  never  be  brought 
into  successful  competition  with  that  of  Great  Britain,  and  it  be- 
lieves that  this  adoption  of  *he. system  here  will  be  attended  with 
incalculable  benefits.  Under  this  conviction,  I  have  felt  it  to  be 
my  duty  to  extend  these  privileges  to  the  merchants  and  business 
of  the  country. 

Being  desirous  of  introducing  the  system  of  stores  absolutely 
fire  proof,  so  as  to  guard,  as  far  as  practicable,  against  those  disas- 
trous fires  which  have  so  often  swept  away  so  many  millions  of 
property  invested  in  stores  and  goods;  and,  with  a  vieW  to  place 
bonded  stores  in  our  own  country  upon  an  equal,  if  not  a  superior, 
footing  to  all  others  as  regards  security,  so  as  to  make  our  ports 
the  principal  entrepots  of  commerce,  I  have  directed  that  a  prefer- 
ence shall  be  given  in  all  cases,  by  the  collectors,  to  such  private 
stores  as  are  made  entirely  fire-proof.  By  this,  I  mean  such  stores 
— of  which  we  have  now  scarcely  a  single*  one  in  this  country, 
although  lately  introduced  with  great  success  in  Great  Britain — as 
are  free  from  all  combustible  materials.  Such  stores  would  -be 
built  on  arches  of  stone  or  brick,  or,  what  would  be  better,  for  all 
the  wooden  material  now  used,  to  substitute  iron,  namely,  for  roofs 
and  rafters,  for  joists,  for  doors,  window  frames,  and  shutters, 
slabs  for  flooring,  and  beams  or  pillars,  where  needed,  as  now  used 
in  some  cases  in  Europe.  The  advantages  of  this  system  would  be: 
1st.  The  greater  security  from  fire  in  such  stores  would  much  in- 
crease the  warehousing  business  of  the  country,  with  all  its  im- 
mense profits  to  our  commercial  and  navigating  interests.  2d.  The 
saving  or  diminishing  the  losses  arising  from  conflagrations.  3d. 
The  saving  or  diminishiTig  insurance.   4th.  The  frequent  arresting 


6 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


of  fires  in  our  great  cities,  by  stopping  them  at  a  point  where  the 
buildings  were  wholly  incombustible.  5th.  Tt.e  gradual  extension 
of  the  system  of  iron  buildings  to  private  stores,  other  than  bonded 
warehouses.  6th.  The  great  benefit  to  the  iron  interest  of  the 
country,  from  the  new  and  increasing  use  and  demand  thereby  cre- 
ated for  that  material.  The  augmenting  demand  for  warehouses, 
in  many  of  our  ports,  had  forced  upon  the  department  the  alterna- 
tive of  leasing  at  this  time  new  and  additional  public  stores,  for 
terms  of  years,  in  the  larger  ports,  or  resorting  to  the  system  of 
private  competition;  and,  alter  full  investigation,  it  is  deemed  best 
to  adopt  the  latter.  Public  stores,  however,  to  a  large  extent,  are 
still  required  by  the  law.  1st.  For  importers  who  may  prefer  to 
use  them.  2d.  IJnclaimed  e^oods,  under  the  provi:,ions  of  the  law, 
can  be  stored  only  in  public  stores;  and  the  value  of  these  un- 
claimed goods  in  New  York  alone,  during  the  first  two  years  under 
the  warehousing  law,  by  the  returns  of  the  collector,  amounted  to 
$14,617  658..  Under  this  system  public  and  private  stores  wnll  be 
combined,  and  each  for  useful  purposes,  as  designed  by  the  law; 
but  ultimately  the  great  mass  of  the  warehousing  business  (except 
as  regards  unclairned  goods)  vc'iU  be  transacted  here  as  in  Great 
Britain,  by  stores  neither  rented  nor  owned  by  the  government. 

These  stores,  owned  by  individuals,  in  proper  locations  and  of 
a  proper  character,  wall  be  authorized  by  the  collector,  with  the 
assent  of  the  Secretary,  at  each  port,  and  the  government  will 
have  no  other  control  over  them  than  the  custody  of  the  key  by 
an  inspector  of  the  revenue,  and  access  to  the  goods  permitted 
only  in  his  presence,  as  required  by  iaw.  The  person  w^ho  is  au- 
thorized to  keep  the  store  will  be  the  agent  of  the  importers,  and 
contract  for  storage  and  labor  as  they  may  think  proper,  the  gov- 
ernment being  indemnified  only  for  the  expense  of  the  services  of 
an  inspector  by  the  payment  of  half  storage,  or  of  the  inspector's 
salary,  at  the  option  of  the  importer.  The  storage  and  labor  will 
thus  be  furnished  by  the  owners  of  stores,  and  not  by  tl^e  govern- 
ment, and  the  business  will  thus  be  conducted  in  time,  with  greater 
economy,  und  the  choice  of  stores  left  chiefly  to  the  importers. 
The  government  will  have  all  the  security  for  the  stores  and  for 
the  custody  of  the  goods  that  is  required  in  case  of  public  stores, 
as  well  as  full  indemni^ty  for  all  charges,  without  any  risk  or  ex- 
pense for  labor  or  lor  the  building  or  renting  of  stores,  with  a  pre- 
ference of  the  public  store  where  adapted  to  the  storage  of  articles 
sofPght  to  be  warehoused.  Private  enterprise  will  be  invited  into 
rivalry  for  furnishing  warehouses;  and  now  that  the  system  has  re- 
ceived proper  impulse  liom  the  government,  individual  competition 
will  in  time  furnish  the  best  and  cheapest  and  safest  stores,  as  well 
as  the  most  economical  storage  and  labor,  for  nearly  all  goods,  ex- 
cept such  as  are  unclaimed.  Such  private  enterprise  will  in  time 
cause  large  and  capacious  incombustible  stores  to  be  erected  in  our 
ports,  giving  employment  to  our  mechanics  and  laborers,  augu^ent- 
ing  our  commerce  and  revenue,  and  increasing  the  value  of  pro- 
perty in  our  warehousing  cities.  The  incombustible  or  iron  stores 
will  gradually  take  the  place  of  structures  that  are  not  fire  proof, 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  7 

for  the  storage  of  imports,  and  be  eventually  extended  to  stores 
holding  domestic  goods,  and  thus  terminate  those  disastrous  con- 
Hagrations  that  have  ruined  so  many  thousands. 

As  early  as  the  29th  of  July,  1847,  ray  attention  was  directed  to 
the  important  subject  of  iron  warehouses,  and  among  the  inquiries 
which  the  commissioners  who  visited  the  continent  of  Europe  and 
Great  Britain,  under  my  appointment  in  that  year,  were  directed  tor 
make  was  the  following  : 

''You  w^iU  inqurcj  particularly,  how  far  and  to  what  extent  iron 
has  been  introduced,  either  for  roofs,  rafters,  joists,  or  otherwise, 
as  well  as  the  material  for  flooring;  the  expense  of  such  buildings; 
the  insurance,  if  any,  on  such  warehouses  and  the  goods  stored 
therein." 

In  replying  to  this  inquiry,  the  commissioners  stated  as  follows: 

''  In  the  dock  warehouses,  originally  constructed,  iron  was  not 
used  as  a  material  for  building,  being  only  used  in  some  cases  for 
braces  to  strengthen;  but  in  those  more  lately  built  it  has  entered 
to  some  extent  into  the  construction  for  rafters,  joists  and  flooring. 
For  pillars  it  has  been  more  generally  used,  the  St.  Katharine's 
dock,  in  London,  and  the  Albert  dock,  at  Liverpool,  using  iron 
pillars  filled  in  with  brick  as  the  support,  in  most  cases,  to  the  se- 
cond floor.  The  London  dock  company  have  also  used  it  to  a  con- 
siderable extent  for  pillars,  m  the  last  vaults  constructed.  The 
sheds  on  the  dock  piers  at  London  are  generally  supported  by  iron 
columns,  as  previously  mentioned;  and  the  intention  hereafter  is  to 
increase  its  use,  experience  having  demonstrated,  from  the  use 
made  of  it  in  constructing  the  large  railway  stations,  that  it  is  the 
lightest  and  best  material  for  large  sheds  and  roofs.  The  flooring 
in  the  warehouses  is  usually  made  with  reference  to  the  character 
of  the  goods  to  be  stored;  where  a  smooth  surface  is  very  requisite 
for  the  preservation  of  tiie  articles,  iron  has  been  somewhat  used. 
In  the  Albert  docks,  before  mentioned,  as  combining  the  most  mo- 
dern improvements,  tile  has  been  used,  laid  on  concrete  made  per- 
fectly smooth,  for  sugar  and  molasses;  such  a  floor,  or  one  of  stone 
slabs,  being  considered  the  best,  the  drainage  requiring  it  to  be 
frequently  scraped  and  cleaned.  ^ 

''The  buildings  are  kept  insured  by  the  proprietors,  the  rate 
being  from  one-sixth  to  two-sixths  sterling  per  cent.  The  mer- 
chandise is  generally  insured."  They  state  also:  "The  ware- 
houses in  the  East  and  West  India,  and  London  docks,  in  London, 
are  constructed  in  a  substaiitial  and  fire  proof  manner,  the  roofs  of 
slate  or  tile,  and  the  doors  and  windows  of  iron.  The  lower  floors 
are  generally  of  stone,  on  arches  sustained  by  pillars  of  stone  or 
iron;  the  upper  floors  are  of  wood  sustained  by  wooden  pillars. 
The  stores  in  these  docks  are  of  difl'erent  dates  of  construction, 
themore  modern  ones  embracing  the  most  approved  modes  of  build- 
ing at  the  time." 

"In  the  St,  Katharine's  dock,  the  stores  having  been  more  recently 
built,  are  generally  of  a  better  description,  the  lower  stories  being 
on  arches  supported  by  iron  pillars,  and  the  floors  of  the  second 
story  of  iron  plates.    Underneath  all  are  the  cellars  for  the  storeage 


8 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


of  liquors,  \rith  arched  roofs,  supported  by  iron  or  stone  columns. 
These  cellars  are  of  immense  extent,  and,  in  the  London  dock  alone, 
comprising  twenty-two  acres.  The  floors  are  fitted  with  iron  skids 
for  the  stowage  of  the  casks,  and  their  easy  movement  from  one 
part  \o  another." 

^'On  the  piers  in  these  docks  are  also  constructed  sheds  for  the 
protection  of  merchandise  while  discharging  and  loading,  and  for 
custom-house  examination.  These  sheds  are  supported  generally 
by  iron  columns,  and  in  some  instances  have  iron  roofs,  and  rail- 
ways laid  through  them  for  the  more  convenient  removal  of  mer- 
chandise by  hand  trucks." 

^'The  other  bonded  warehouses  are  private  stores  of  fire  proof 
construction,  within  which  no  offices  or  counting  rooms  are  allowed, 
built  to  comply  with  the  circular  of  the  commissioners  of  customs." 

^'The  stores  in  the  Albert  dock,  Liverpool,  (the  only  dock  having 
warehouses  at  that  port,)  the  undersigned  think  the  most  perfect 
in  every  respect  which  they  visited,  being  built  entirely  of  stone 
and  iron,  no  wood  whatever  entering  into  their  construction."  It 
thus  appears  that  the  best  and  most  approved  warehouses  in  Great 
Britain  are  now  ^'built  entirely  of  stone  and  iron,  no  wood  what- 
ever entering  into  their  construction."  That  similar  iron  stores 
will  be  built  in  our  warehousing  ports  under  the  present  instruc-  ' 
tions,  giving  them  this  preference,  w^ould  seem  to  be  certain,  and 
when  they  are  constructed  in  one  port  th(?y  must  be  built  in  others, 
or  it  would  lead  to  a  greater  concentration  of  the  warehousing 
business  in  those  ports  that  adopted  the  incombustible  iron  stores. 
When  the  business  of  the  storage  of  foreign  imports  is  thrown 
open  to  private  enterprise,  and  safe  and  commodious  stores  erected 
by  individuals,  they  will  seek  to  fill  them  with  goods,  especially 
for  re-exportation,  and  thus  immensely  increase  the  w^arehousing 
business,  and  render  our  ports,  at  a  much  earlier  period,  the  entre- 
pots for  universal  commerce.  * 

The  question  is  one  of  great  magnitude;  in  what  country  shall  be 
chiefly  stor.d  the  exchangeable  products  and  fabrics  of  the  world, 
during  the  period  intervening  between  their  growth,  production  or 
manufacture,  and  their  use  or  consumption  1  What  country  shall 
transact  this  vast  business?  Who  shall  enjoy  this  carrying  trade?' 
Whose  mechanics  and  laborers  shall  furnish  the  stores  and  docks 
and  basins?  Whose  merchants  shall  receive  the  storage?  Whose 
underwriters  the  insurance;  and  who  shall  realize  the  commission 
and  profits  on  the  sale  and  reshipment?  These  are  questions  of 
momentous  interest  to  our  commerce  and  navigation,  and  to  the  pro- 
gress of  our  wealth  and  industry.  I  think  it  n  ay  be  demonstrated 
that,  directly  and  indirectly.  Great  Britain  is  now  realizing  from 
this  source  an  annual  income  to  her  people,  of  more  than  eighty 
millions  of  dollars.  By  the  returns  of  our  commissioners,  before 
referred  to,  it  appears  that  the  value  of  bonded  goods  in  the  ware- 
houses of  Great  Britain,  in  August,  1847,  was  $387,200,000.  The 
quantity  warehoused  throughout  the  year  is  not  given;  but  if  it 
bears  the  same  proportion,  as  in  our  country,  to  the  goods  remain- 
ing in  warehouse  at  the  end  of  the  year,  it  would  be  much  greater. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Assuming  it,  however,  to  be  only  400,000,000,  we  may  form  an  ap- 
proximate estimate  to  this  income  from  the  following  data  :  1st, 
the  freights  upon  the  importation  of  the  goods;  2d,  the  fr  ights 
upon  such  3S  are  re-exported;  3d,  the  storage;  4th,  the  insurance 
whilst  on  deposite,  as  well  as  when  imported  or  exported;  5th, 
the  labor  attending  the  landing,  receiving  and  re-shipments,  includ- 
ing the  wharfage,  drayage,  cartage,  craneage,  hoisting,  stowing, 
piling,  packing,  repacking,  &c.;  6th,  the  profit  upon  the  sale  of 
the  goods;  or  7th,  the  commissions  when  sold  and  re-shipp^d  on 
foreign  account;  8th,  the  wa^es  and  compensation  paid  to  clerks, 
storekeepers,  &c.;  9th,  the  yearly  appreciation  of  property  arising 
from  the  extension  of  business,  and  the  erection  of  docks  and  ware- 
houses; 10th,  the  augmented  market  for  domestic  products  and 
manufactures,  purchased  to  complete  assortments,  and  freighted 
abroad  at  cheaper  rates,  thus  augmenting  domestic  exports,  as  well 
as  the  profits  upon  them;  11th,  the  use  of  the  capital,  credit  and 
specie,  and  the  command  of  the  exchanges  of  the  world;  12th,  the 
augmented  home  market  for  domestic  products  and  fabrics,  arising 
from  the  increase  of  capital,  business  cind  population,  growing  out 
of  the  warehousing  system.  There  are  some  of  these  items  known 
to  be  great,  not  susceptible  of  any  accurate  approximate  estimate; 
taking,  however",  those  only  where  the  data  are  established,  it  may 
be  safely  assumed  that  the  gross  income  yielded,  on  such  items,  to 
the  country,  from' warehoused  goods,  is  not  less  than  20  per  cent, 
on  the  value  of  such  goods,  stored  for  sale  and  distribution. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  this  is  an  income  realized  on  the 
products  and  fabrics  of  other  countries,  growing  out  of  being  their 
factors  and  transacting  their  business  under  the  warehousing  sys- 
tem. Among  the  most  beneficial  effects  of  the  system,  as  demon- 
strated in  its  results  by  practical  experience  in  Great  Britain,  is 
the  largely  augmented  foreign  market  for  domestic  products  and 
fabrics  to  complete  an  assortment,  or  a  cargo  so  as  to  give  full 
freights  to  vessels. 

Our  ports  are  the  natural  and  proper  depots  of  European  goods 
seeking  the  markets  of  Canada,  the  West  Indies,  Mexico,  and  of 
Central  and  Southern  America.  They  are  also  the  natural  depots  of 
all  these  latter  countries  when  seeking  the  European  or  other  foreign 
markets.  Our  ports  on  the  Pacific,  in  connexion  with  those  on  the 
Atlantic  and  the  Gulf,  are  also  the  natural  depots  for  sale  and  dis- 
tribution to  all  the  rest  of  the  world,  of  the  products  and  fabrics 
of  Asia,  and  nothing  can  secure  to  us  this  commerce,  but  a  well- 
organized  warehouse  system,  furnishing  equal  facilities  for  storage 
and  entrepot  with  similar  systems  in  any  other  country.  To  the 
perfect  success  of  this  system,  the  principle  of  free  storage  and 
free  competition  for  all  but  unclaimed  goods  will  become  indispen- 
sible.  It  would  be  difficult  to  ascertain  the  extent  to  which  vessels 
and  purchasers  would  be  brought  to  our  ports  under  a  perfect  ware- 
housing system  to  be  supplied  with  return  cargoes  in  part  composed 
of  our  own  products  and  fabrics. 

It  is  clear,  however,  that  the  effect  must  bo  very  great,  and  when 
our  warehousing  system  shall  go  into  complete  operation,  I  do  not 


10 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


doubt  but  that  stores  filled  with  domestic  products  and  fabrics  will 
be  found  side  by  side  with  our  bonded  warehouses,  and  purchasers 
will  resort  to  both  to  fill  their  vessels  or  to  complete  their  assort- 
ments. 

Whilst  the  bonded  warehouses  will  be  filled  with  foreign  goods, 
our  own  breadstulfs  and  provisions,  our  flour  and  grain,  our  corn 
and  cotton,  our  rice  and  tobacco,  our  hemp  and  wool,  our  cotton 
and. woollen  fabrics,  (and  jn  time  also,  our  iron  and  sugar,)  and 
the  vast  variety  of  manufactures  which  our  skill  and  industry  pro- 
duce, will  be  found  in  our  domestic  stores,  near  or  adjacent  to  our 
bonded  warehouses,  assembling  purchasers  to  find  a  market  for 
them  in  every  portion  of  the  world.  Nay,  it  is  quite  certain,  that 
the  barter  of  the  foreign  for  the  domestic  products  and  fabrics  in 
adjacent  stores,  will  often  take  place  daily,  as  it  now  does  to  so 
vast  an  extent  in  Great  Britain,  increasing  not  only  our  internal 
but  our  external  commerce,  augmenting  our  tolls  or  freights  on 
our  lakes  and  rivers,  our  railroads  and  canals,  and  swelling  our 
exports,  (including  our  own  manufactures)  to  an  extent  corres- 
ponding with  our  foreign  imports.  The  foreign  and  domestic  goods 
w^arehoused  in  adjacent  stores,  will,  as  it  were,  invite  the  exchange, 
and  our  merchants  thus  become  the  factors  of  universal  commerce. 
^  Whilst  the  warehousing  system  in  Great  Britain  is  greatly  cher- 
ished by  their  merchants,  it  is  regarded  with  still  deeper  interest 
by  their  manufacturers;  being  as  popular  in  Manchester,  with  its 
bonded  stores,  as  in  London  or  Liverpool,  bringing,  as  it  does, 
capital  to  British  ports,  and  purchasers  and  goods  from  every  quar- 
ter of  the  globe  to  exchange  for  British  fabrics;  and  our  American 
manufacturers  can  never  compete  successfully  for  the  foreign 
market,  until  a  similar  warehousing  system  is  introduced  and 
perfected  in  our  ports. 

Much  as  our  mercantile  and  navigating  interests  will  be  ad- 
vanced by  such  a  system,  the  American  producer  and  manufac- 
turer, in  augmented  markets  at  home  and  abroad,  will  derive  still 
greater  advantages. 

There  is  a  perfect  union  of  interest  between  our  exports  and 
imports,  between  our  trade  external  and  internal.  Commerce  is  a 
unit,  it  is  the  exchange  of  products  and  fabrics,  whether  foreign 
or  domestic,  whether  transported  inland  or  coastw^ise,  upon  the 
lakes  or  the  ocean,  upon  the  railroad  or  canaljand  whatever  system 
assembles  in  any  port  for  exchange,  the  products  and  fabrics  of 
human  industry,  augments  the  wealth  and  business  and  capital  of 
the  country  facilitating  such  commerce,  and  fills  the  hand  of  labor 
with  greater  and  more  abundant  reward.  In  truth,  commerce  is 
the  great  handmaid  of  labor,  the  factor  of  its  products  finding  for 
them  the  markets  of  the  world. 

Among  the  most  important  amendments  required  in  the  existing 
law,  are  the  following:  1st.  Where  the  goods  are  deposited  in  a 
public  store,  under  the  exclusive  custody  of  the  government,  no 
bond  for  duties  should  be  required.  To  exact  security  for  the 
payment  of  duties  on  the  goods,  when  the  goods  themselves  are  in 
the  sole  custody  of  the  government,  would  seem'to  be  superfluous. 
2d.  When  the  goods  are  deposited  in  private  stores,  to  permit  the 


•  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


11 


proprietor  of  the  store  to  cover  the  amount  of  duties  or  all  p^oods 
in  his  store,  under  his  own  bond,  with  adequate  securities  instead 
of  exacting  a  bond  from  every  importer.  3d.  To  cancel  all  bonds 
for  duties  when  the  goods  are  destroyed  by  fire.  This  is  the  case 
in  Great  Britain,  and  much  increases  hex  entrepot  trade,  it  being 
a  great  inducement  to  prefer  her  ports  for  warehousing,  as  it  is 
known  she  exacts  no  duties  when  the  goods  are; consumed  by  fire 
before  they  are  taken  out  of  the  warehouse.  Here,  Congress  gen- 
erally refunds  the  duties  in  such  cases,  so  that  our  government  in 
fact  gains  nothing  by  the  exaction,  but,  in  the  meantime,  foreign 
goods  are  driven  to  other  entrepots,  by  the  fact,  that  under  our 
law,  as  it  now  stands,  the  duties  are  payable.  Under  the  present 
law,  the  goods  are  insured  at  a  value  including  the  duty,  thus  in- 
creasing expenses  here,  as  compared  with  foreign  warehouses,  and 
where  the  duties  are  refunded  after  a  fire,  it  is  generally  only  for 
the  benefit  of  the  underwriters  who  have  insured  the  goods.  4th. 
To  prolong  the  time  for  warehousing,  if  not  indefinitely,  at  least 
to  a  period  not  less  than  five  years.  In  Great  Britain  the  term  is 
three  years,  but  at  the  same  time  discretion  is  given  to  the  com- 
missioners of  customs  to  extend  the  period  two  years  more,  thus 
practically  enlarging  the  time  on  goods  not  perishable  to  five  years. 
The  term  of  one  year  is  too  limited,  especially  with  a  view  to  ex- 
portation. 

Debenture  goods  may  now  be  exported  within  three  years,  and 
no  reason  can  be  given  why  warehoused  goods  should  not  have,  at 
least,  the  same  time,  if  not  an  indefinite  period.  The  fact,  that 
goods  can  only  be  warehoused  here  oi)e  year,  when  in  England, 
they  may  remain  five  years  in  warehouse,  gives  to  that  country  an 
immense  advantage  over  our  own  as  an  entrepot  for  warehoused 
goods,  and  we  will  contend  with  her  to  great  disadvantage  for  the 
commerce  of  the  A^'orld,  until  we  extend  the  warehousing  privilege 
to  a  similar  period  of  years.  Why  should  debenture  goods,  re- 
maining in  the  merchant's  own  exclusive  possession,  be  permitted 
to  be  exported  within  three  years,  when  warehoused  goods,  remain- 
ing in  our  own  custody,  must  be  forced  out  of  the  country  in  one 
year'?  Why  should  we  deny  to  our  own  country  the  payment  of 
insurance  and  storage,  of  labor,  and  other  charges  upon  the  goods 
beyond  the  period  of  a  year?  Why  limit  the  period  for  exporta- 
tion or  consumption,  the  goods  remaining  with  us  at  the  expense 
of  the  foreign  importer. 

The  loss  of  interest,  the  payment  of  insurance,  storage  and  other 
charges,  constitute  a  sufficient  inducement  to  the  importer  to  sell 
er  re-export  at  any  period  without  limiting  the  time.  Besides,  there 
are  many  articles  that  are  greatly  improved  by  remaining  in  store 
for  a  series  of  years.  Among  'these,  I  may  mention  wines  and  li- 
quors, which  are  generally  so  greatly  improved  by  age.  We  can 
never  become  a  great  entrepot  for  wines  and  liquors  while  this 
limitation  exists,  but  will  be  compelled  to  send  for  the  best  of  these 
articles,  as  we  now  do,  to  the  foreign,  and  especially  to  the  Lon- 
don dock  sellers  and  stores,  where  such  articles  are  sent  by  the 
producer  to  acquire  the  reputation  and  additional  price  derived 


12 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


from  their  deposite  there.  More  than  fifty  acres  of  bonded  vaults- 
»and  celhus  in  Great  Britain  are  filled  with  these  wines  and  liquors 
of  every  quality  and  age,  and  we  can  never  compete  for  the  storage 
of  these  articles,  unless  we  grant  here  equal  facilities  for  sale  and 
storage.  There  is  another  reason  why  the  time  should  be  enlarged, 
arising  out  of  the  extension  of  our  ports  and  territories,  since  the 
passage  of  the  w^arehousing  'act.  Under  the  law,  goods  can  be 
warehoused  and  transferred  from  port  to  port  in  our  own  country. 
Now,  from  our  Atlantic  to  our  Pacific  ports,  going  or  returning 
around  Cape  Horn,  nearly  one-half  the  time  may  be  occupied  in 
the  voyage,  yet  this,  by  the  law,  constitutes  part  of  the  year  per- 
mitted for  warehousing,  and  is  entirely  too  short  for  the  great  pur- 
poses of  such  a  commerce.  Why  should  we  destroy  our  own  coast- 
wtse  trade  by  a  limitation  so  pernicious] 

In  extending  the  period  for  deposite  of  foreign  goods,  I  would 
renew  my  recommendation  for  the  repeal  of  the  debenture  system. 
The  merchant  may  now  export  debenture  goods  within  three  years, 
having  the  duties  refunded  without  interest,  the  government  with- 
holding two  and  a  half  per  cent.  For  this  privilege,  then,  he  loses 
three  years'  interest,  being  eighteen  per  cent,  and  two  and  a  half 
per  cent,  on  the  duties,  in  all  twenty  and  one  half  per  cent.  Now, 
if  he  is  permitted  to  retain  the  goods  in  public  or  piivate  bonded 
warehouses,  without  the  payment  of  any  portion  of  this  sum,  or 
any  advance  for  duties,  and  export  the  goods  within  three  years 
from  such  warehouse,  why  should  he  want  the  debenture  privilege  ? 
The  truth  is,  if  the  time  were  thus  prolonged,  when  the  goods  re- 
mained unchanged,  there  could  be  no  motive  (but  in  some  extraor- 
dinary cases)  to  resort  to  the  debenture  privilege,  except  to  de- 
fraud the  revenue  by  a  pretended  exportation  of  the  goods,  when, 
in  fact,  having  been  in  the  importer's  exclusive  possession,  they 
are  too  oft^n  smuggled  into  the  consumption  of  the  country,  and 
the  duties  refunded,  as  if  they  w^ere  exported.  I  have  heretofore 
recommended  the  repeal  of  the  debenture  system,  and  the  substitu- 
tion of  a  right,  for  at  least  the  same  period  of  time,  of  exporting 
abroad  the  goods  from  the  public  or  private  warehouses,  without 
having  paid  any  duties.  This  is  a  much  greater  privilege  than  the 
debenture,  and  not  accompanied  with  its  frauds.  This  department 
has  heretofore  represented  the  fraudulent  character  of  the  deben- 
ture system,  which  has  led  to  its  abandonment  in  other  countries. 
The  system  furnishes  great  facilities  and  temptations  to  frauds  upon 
the  revenue.  Let  us  take  an  example  to  illustrate  how^  easily  these 
frauds  may  be  perpetrated.  Under  the  existing  debenture  privi- 
lege, an  importer  introduces  a  quantity  of  foreign  cotton  goods, 
he  pays  the  duty  and  takes  the  goods  into  his  exclusive  posses- 
sion; at  the  end  of  a  period  not  exceeding  three  years  he  pro- 
fesses to  export  these  same  cotton  goods;  and,  after  these  goods 
are  examined  by  the  appraisers,  and  supposed  to  be  the  same,  he 
executes  his  export  bond,  ships  his  goods,  and  receives  his  deben- 
ture certificate,  upon  which  he  draws  the  money  at  once;  but  per- 
haps the  appraiser  who  examined  the  cotton  goods  three  years 
before,  is  absent,  dead,  removed,  or  resigned^  or  in  the  lapse  of 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


13 


time,  from  the  multiplicity  of  his  duties,  he  may  have  forgotten  the 
precise  character  of  the  goods,  or  an  article  of  cotton  goods,  of  so 
precise  a  similitude,  may,  for  that  very  purpose,  have  been  manu- 
factured here,  as  to  defy  detection,  and  the  domestic  goods  are  ex- 
ported instead  of  the  foreign;  and  this  is  but  one  out  of  many 
modes  in  which  frauds  may  be  perpetrated  under  the  debenture 
system.  In  truth,  the  whole  system  is  an  open  invitation  to  frauds 
upon  the  revenue,  and,  in  some  cases,  this  has  been  so  palpable 
that  the  drawback  exceeds  the  duty. 

Herewith  is  communicated  a  letter  on  this  subject  (a  copy  of 
which  is  hereto  annexed,  marked  B)  from  two  experienced  custom- 
house officers,  of  New  Orleans  and  New  York,  being  the  result  of 
inquiries  directed  by  me,  exhibiting  the  frauds  under  this  system. 
I  cannot  too  strongly  urge  the  consideration  of  this  subject  by 
Congress,  nor  too  earnestly  repeat  my  undoubted  conviction  that 
the  revenue  is  defrauded  many  hundred  thousand  dollars  every  year 
by  this  system.  Not  only  is  the  revenue  thus  defrauded  of  large 
sums,  but  the  honest  merchant,  who  has  fairly  paid  his  duties,  is 
deeply  injured  by  being  brought  into  competition. with  goods,  the 
duties  on  which  have  been  refunded,  whilst  the  domestic  manufac- 
turer and  producer  are  also  compelled  to  compete  with  foreign 
goods  subject  to  duty,  but  on  which  the  duty  has  been  refunded 
under  the  practical  operation  of  this  law. 

Connected  with  the  subject  of  warehousing,  is  the  construction 
of  docks  and  basins,  for  the  accommodation  of  vessels,  the  erection 
of  warehouses,  and  the  economical  storage  of  goods.  In  ancient 
as  well  as  in  modern  times  these  improvements,  to  a  greater  or 
less  extent,  mark  the  growth  of  commercial  cities.  On  the  conti- 
nent of  "Rurope  they  exist  to  a  considerable  extent,  but  in  Great 
Britain  they  h^\e  been  constructed  in  greater  numbers  and  to  a 
greater  extent  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  world.  In  Boston,  in 
connexion  with  their  wharves,  they  have  long  existed^  and  are 
constantly  extending,  having  greatly  contributed  to  the  increase  of 
the  foreign  and  domestic  commerce  of  that  great  city;  furnishing 
another  proof  of  the  sagacity  and  foresight  of  that  people.  In  the 
harbor  of  New  York  they  are  just  going  into  operation,  and  must 
furnish  great  facilities  for  the  extension  of  the  commerce  of  that 
city.  They  are  admirably  calculated  for  the  extension  of  the 
warehousing  system,  especially  for  heavy  goods,  and  for  articles 
introduced  for  re-exportatidn.  On  that  important  subject,  I  attach 
to  this  report  documents  marked  C  and  D.  The  first  being  a  re- 
port of  the  committee  on  wharves  of  the  city  of  New  York,  and  the 
second  a  pamphlet  of  the  proceedings  of  citizens  and  companies  in 
regard  to  the  grea't  Atlantic  dock  basin.  To  a  considerable  extent 
such  docks  and  warehouses  have  been  used  in  Boston  and  New 
York,  for  the  more  economical  storage  of  goods,  and  it  is  believed 
are  destined  to  great  and  complete  success.  It  is  obvious  that 
heavy  goods  can  be  landed  and  stored  more  economically,  when  the 
vessel  can  lay  alongside  of  the  warehouse  in  such  docks  or  basins, 
and  load  or  unload  from  it  without  drayage  or  cartage. 

When  the  warehousing  law  was  passed  in  18i6,  the  system  was 


14 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


entirely  new  in  this  country,  and  the  department  was  required  to 
put  it  at  once  into  operation.  This  was  done  alter  a  coniermce 
with  the  collectors  in  the  principal  ports,  and  the  action  of  the 
department  communicated  to  Congress.  -  Whilst  it  is  believed  that 
all  then  done,  in  puttiui^j  so  prompiiv  into  operation  so  new  and 
great  a  system,  will  red»  und  to  the  ultimate  advancement  of  the 
best  interests  of  the  country;  yet  in  the  period  of  two  years  which 
has  intervened  since  that  date,  the  department,  amidst  its  other 
pressino^  engagements  has  devoted  much  attention  to  this  new  anil 
important  subject,  collecting  irom  the  continent  of  Europe  and 
Great  Britain  all  the  information  that  could  be  obtained  in  regard 
to  the  practical  operation  of  the  system  in  those  countries.  On  the 
continent  the  plan  adopted  is  that  of  public  government  stores.  In 
Great  Britain  an  appeal  is  made  to  private  enterprize,  capital,  and 
competition,  and  their  bonded  warehouses  are  chiefly  private  stores, 
with  a  few  large  government  warehouses  for  gertain  purposes. 

The  British  plan  has  been  far  the  most  successful,  and  commends 
itself,  in  my  judgment,  as  well  from  the  success  of  the  system  it- 
self as  from  a  t^iorough  investigation  of  the  principles  on  which  it 
is  founded.  I  have  therefore,  by  the  new  regulations,  so  far  as 
was  consistent  with  the  law,  introduced  it  into  this  country,  under 
the  powers  ested  in  this  department  by  the  fifth  section  of  the 
warehousing  act.  The  important  information  derived  from  the 
continent  of  Europe  and  Great  Britain  is  herewith  appended  to  this 
report,  in  documents  marked  F,  G,  H,  I,  K,  L,  M,  M,  O,  P,  Q. 

The  regulations  now  issued  introduce  the  system  of  private  com- 
petition so  far  as  permitted  by  the  public  interest,  and  by  the  law 
as  it  now  stands.  By  the  existing  law,  unclaimed  goods  must  be 
warehoused  in  public  sto^res.  The  value  of  these  is  very  great.  In 
New  York  alone,  by  the  returns  of  the  collector,  the  value  of  the 
foreign  unclaimed  goods  warehoused  in  that  port  from  the  6th 
August,  1846,  to  30ih  September,  1848,  was  $14,617,658,  and  the 
regularly  warehoused  in  the  same  period  $20,546,250 — making  a 
total  in  that  port  of  $35,163,908.  These  unclaimed  goods,  under 
the  act  of  the  3il  March,  1841,  must  be  kept  in  the  public  stores, 
there  being  no  importer  who  claims  and  makes  a  warehouse  entry 
of  them.  By  the  returns  of  the  collector,  (see  doc.  E,)  the  fo- 
reign goods  regularly  warehoused  from  the  6ih  August,  1846,  to 
30th  September,  1848,  was  $43,934,300.  In  addition  to  this,  there 
was  a  vast  amount  of  foreign  imports  deposited  in  our  warehouses 
as  unclaimed  goods,  amounting,  rs  we  have  seen,  in  New  York 
alone,  to  the  sum  of  $14,617,658.  If  in  the  other  ports  the  un- 
claimed goods  bore  the  same  proportion  as  those  regularly  ware- 
housed in  New  York,  it  would  bring  the  total-  amount  of  foreign 
goods  deposited  in  our  warehouses  from  the  6th  August,  1816,  to 
30th  September,  1848,  up  to  $66,527,038.  Notwithstanding,  then, 
that  the  system  was  entirely  new  in  ihis  country,  it  is  hoped  that 
these  facts,  and  the  vast  amount  thus  w^arehoused  in  the  infancy  of 
the  system,  under  the  instructions  and  acts  of  this  department,  will 
satisfy  Congress  that  every  effort  was  made  to  carry  the  law  fully 
into  effect,  and  that  these  efforts  were  attended  with  success,  nct- 


/ 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


15 


withstanding  that  the  department  was  compelled  to  en*-er  on  a  field 
of  experiment  entirely  unexplored  in  this  country.  It  would  be 
strange,  under  such  circumstances,  if  the  department  had  seen  no- 
thing to  improve  or  alnend,  as  the  result  of  more  than  two  years 
of  experience  of  the  practical  operation  of  the  system  in  this  coun- 
try, and  as  also  of  the  information  collected  with  so  much  care 
from  the  continent  of  Europe  and  Great  Britain.  This  experience 
and  information  have  enabled,  the  department  to  introduce,  it  is 
believed,  great  and  important  improvements  under  the  new 
instructions  now  issued,  and  especially  in  authorizing,  as  far 
as  permitted  by  the  law  and  the  security  of  the  public  revenue, 
the  system  of  private  enterprize  and  competition  in  the  business  of 
storage,  so  as  to  reduce  to  the  utmost  practicable  extent  all  the 
charges  and  expenses  incident  to  the  system.  These  regulations, 
it  is  believed,  will  lead  to  a  considerable  augmentation  in  the 
warehousing  business;  but,  in  order  to  give  to  our  own  ports  all 
the  advantages  enjoyed  in  Great  Britain,  and  to  enable  us  to  enter 
into  successful  competition  with  other  countries  for  the  commerce 
of  the  world,  the  amendments  in  the  law  itself,  especially  as  re- 
gards the  extension  of  the  time  for  warehousing,  which  can  only 
be  made  by  Congress,  are  indispensible.  With  these  amendments, 
advancing  in  a  liberal,  commercial  policy,  with  the  progress  of  the 
age,  and  the  lights  of  experience,  it  is  believed  that  our  own  coun- 
try will  pass  rapidly  onward  to  the  command  of  universal  com- 
merce. 

With  enduring  peace;  with  extended  area,  industry  and  popula- 
tion; within  enlarging  trade,  internal  and  external — and  increas- 
ing facilities  of  navigation  and  transportation  on  the  lakes  and 
rivers — the  ocean  and  the  land;  with  a  career  marked  by  a  spirit  of 
equity  and  justice,  our  future  advance  must  be  more  rapid  even 
than  the  past.  Nor  should  we  regard  only  the  advantages  to  our- 
selves from  our  national  union,  as  a  moral  and  political  necessity, 
which  no  human  power  can  sever,  or  destroy;  but  consider,  also,  its 
effects  as  a  light  and  example  to  ail  nations;  and  as,  ultimately, 
destined  to  extend  its  benefits  and  blessings  to  every  country-and 
people  of  the  globe.  To  accomplish  these  great  objects,  an  ever 
extending  internal  and  international  commerce  and  intercourse  are 
indispensible;  and  even  if  interrupted  for  brief  period,  would  be 
sure  to  return,  with  the  triumph  of  truth,  in  augmented  force  and 
power. 

Most  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  J.  WALKER, 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

Hon.  George  M.  Dallas, 

Vice  President  of  the  United  States, 

and  President  of  the  Senate. 


16 


Ex.  Dec.  No.  57. 


A. 

CIRCULAR,  No.  34. 

Instructions  to  collectors  and  other  officers  of  the  customs. 

Treasury  Department, 

February  17,  1849. 

The  5th  section  of  the  act  of  6th  August,  1846,  entitled  ^'An  act 
to  establish  a  warehousing  system,"  &c.,  is  in  these  words:^ '^That 
the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorised  to 
make,  from  time  to  time,  such  regulations,  not  inconsistent  with 
the  laws  of  the  United  States,  as  may  be  necessary  to  give  full 
effect  to  the  provisions  of  this  act,  and  secure  a  just  accountability 
under  the  same." 

Under  the  poAver  granted  by  this  section,  this  department,  avail- 
ing itself  of  the  experience  derived  from  the  practical  operation 
of  the  system  in  this  country  during  the  last  two  years,  and  having 
obtained  full  information  in  detail  of  the  mode  of  warehousing  on 
the  continent  of  Europe  and  in  Great  Britain,  now  issues  the  fol- 
lowing forms  and  instructions,  in  place  of  those  heretofore  issued, 
with  a  view  to  .enlarge  the  benefits  of  the  system  in  this  country: 

Sec.  1.  On  the  arrival  of  any  goods,  wares,  and  merchandise 
from  a  foreign  port,  and  at  any  time  within  the  period  allowed  by 
law  for  the  discharge  of  the  vessel  in  which  they  may  have  been 
imported,  the  importer,  consignee  or  agent  (with  proper  power  of 
attorney)  thereof,  may  enter  the  same  for  w^arehousing  in  the  form 
hereinafter  prescribed,  designating  at  the  same  time,  with  the  con- 
sent of  the  collector,  the  place  ot  storage,  as  hereinafter  provided 
f  0  r 

Sec.  2.  It  being  the  intention  hereafter  of  this  department' to 
use  as  bonded  warehouses,  under  the  act  of  August  6,  1846,  in  ad- 
dition to  stores  owned  and  leased  by  the  United  States,  such  private 
stores  as  may  be  fully  adapted  to  the  purpose,  separating  as  much 
as  possible  the  government  from  any  interference  not  required  by 
law  or  the'  public  interest  with  the  business  of  storage,  or  of  labor 
on  merchandise,  and  leavijig  such  storage  or  labor  to  be,  as  far  as 
lawful  and  practicable,  a  matter  of  arrangement  between  the  im- 
porters of  merchandise  and  the  owners  or  occupants  of  such  pri- 
vate warehouses,  the  following  rules  and  regulations  will  control 
you  in  the  selection  and  management  of  such  stores,  the  selection 
being  first  approved  by  the  department  in  each  case. 

In  all  cases  of  private  stores,  the  law,  which  the  department  is 
not  at  liberty  to  disregard,  requires  that  they  ^^shall  be  kept  under 
the  joint  locks  of  the  inspector  and  importer^  but  no  delivery  shall 
be  made  without  a  permit  in  writing  under  the  hand  of  the  col- 
lector and  naval  officer  of  the  port,"  the  law  further  declares  that 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


17 


any  importer  or  proprietor  of  any  warehoused  goods,  or  any 
person  in  his  employ,  shall,  by  any  contrivance,  fraudulently  open 
the  warehouse,  or  shall  gain  access  to  the  goods  except  in  the 
presence  of  the  proper  officer  of  the  customs,  acting  in  the  execu- 
tion of  his  duty,  such  importer  or  proprietor  shall  forfeit  and  pay^ 
for  every  such  offence,  one  thousand  dollars."  The  proper  officer 
of  the  customs  here  referred  to,  in  whose  presence  only  the  im- 
porter, when  the  goods  are  stored  in  private  stores,  can  gain  access 
to  the  goods,  is  an  inspector,  that  being  the  class  of  officers,  under 
whose  lock  and  key,  as  well  as  that  of  the  importer,  such  private 
bonded  warehouses  must  be  kept. 

Sec.  3.  Stores  to  be  private  bonded  warehouses,  and  to  be  used 
for  the  storage  of  foreign  dutiable  merchandise,  will  be  required, 
in  all  c?ses,  to  be  first  class  fire-proof  stores,  according  to  the  clas- 
sification of  insurance  offices  at  your  port,  and  must  be  so  approved 
by  them  in  writing  to  the  collector,  before  an  application  to  use 
them  will  be  considered. 

All  bonded  warehouses  under  the  act  of  August  6,  1846,  will 
hereafter  be  known  and  designated  as  follows: 

Class  1.  Stores  owned  by  the  United  States,  or  leased  to  them 
prior  to  the  date  of  these  instructions,  the  leases  of  which  have 
not  yet  expired  or  been  cancelled,  heretofore  known  as  public 
stores.  All  unclaimed  goods  must  be  stored  exclusively  in  these 
stores,  when  there  are  such  at  the  port,  and  they  are  also  to  be 
used  for  the  storage  of  other  foreign  merchandise  as  hereinafter 
provided  for.  In  relation  to  these  public  stores,  the  following  are 
the  provisions  of  the  sixth  section  of  the  act  of  March  3,  1841. 
the  assent  of  the  department  beir.g  required  by  other  laws. 

Jind-  he  it  further  enacted,  That  ail  stores  hereafter  rented  by 
the  collector,  naval  officer  or  surveyor,  shall  be  on  public  account, 
and  paid  for  by  the  collector  as  such,  and  shall  be  appropriated  ex- 
clusively to  the  use  of  receiving  foreign  merchandise,  subject,  as 
to  the  rates  of  storage,  to  regulation  by  the  Secretarv  of  the 
Treasury. 

2.  Stores  in  the  possession  of  an  importer,  and  in  his  sole  occu- 
pancy, which  he  may  desire  to  place  under  the  customs  lock,  in 
addition  to  his  own  lock,  (said  locks  and  keys  to  be  of  a  different 
character,  as  required  by  law,)  for  the  purpose  of  storing  dutiable 
merchandise  imported  by  himself  only. 

The  entire  store  shall  be  appropriated  to  this  sole  purpose,  un- 
der the  regulations  hereinafter  provided,  and  for  this  pri^vilege,  with 
the  time  of  the  customs  officer  necessarily  required  in  attendance  at 
such  store, he  shall  pay  monthly  to  the  collector  of  the  port  a  sum 
equivalent  to  the  pay  of  such  officer,  who  must  be  an  inspector,  or 
o;ie-half  of  the  amount  which  would  accrue  as  storage  on  the 
goods  so  stored,  at  the  regular  rates  charged  at  stores,  class  No.  1., 
All  the  labor  on  goods  so  stored  must  be  performed  by  the  impor- 
ter at  his  own  expense,  under  the  supervision  of  the  officer  in 
charge.  Before  any  importer  shall  be  permitted  to  use  his  own 
store,  per  class  2,  he  shall  endorse  upon  the  entry  for  warehouse 
his  written  request  to  use  such  store  as  the  place  of  deposite,  and 
2 


18 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


also  endorse  thereon  an  agreement  to  pay  to  the  collector  an 
amount  equal  to  the  salary  of  the  inspector  or  one-half  storage; 
then  to  be  determined  in  advance  by  the  importer. 

3.  Stores  in  the  occupancy  of  persons,  desirous  to  engage  in  the 
business  of  storing  dutiable  merchandise  under  the  warehouse  act, 
and  of  performing  the  labor  on  suck  goods,  in  what  is  usually 
termed  the  storage  business;  the  buildings  being  first  examined  by 
the  person  appointed  by  the  collectorj  and  found  to  agree  with  the 
requirements  of  these  instructions,  and  the  selection  having  been 
approved  by  this  department,  an  inspector  shall  be  designated  for 
its  superintendence,  the  owner  or  occupant  stipulating  to  pay  to 
the  collector  monthly  a  sura  equivalent  to  the  salary  of  the  in- 
spector or  inspectors  required  in  the  superintendence  of  the  goods 
and  store,  the  w^hole  of  the  buildincir  being  appropriated^ to  this 
purpose,  as  required  in  class  No.  2.  Merchandise  entered  for  ware- 
house will  only  be  stored  in  these  stores  when  the  same  are  ^'agreed 
on  by  the  collector  or  chief  revenue  officer  of  the  port,  and  the  im- 
porter, owner  or  consignee,"  as  the  place  of  deposite,  and  the  stores 
are  to  be  ^'secured,"  as  provided  in  1st  sec.  act  6ih.  of  August,  1846, 

under  the  joint  locks  of  the  inspector  and  the  importer,"  the 
latter  appointing  the  owner  or  occupant  of  such  store  as  his  agent 
or  custodian,  to  haA'e  the  custody  of  the  goods,  and  possession  qf 
the  key  allowed  to  the  importer;  this  appointment  to  be  per  form 
25.  The  labor  performed  on  the  goods  shall  be  under  the  control 
and  at  the  expense  of  the  owner  or  occupant,  and  the  store  shall 
be  subject  to  such  further  rules  as  this  department  may  deem  ne- 
cessary from  time  to  time,  for  the  s^fe-keeping  of  the  goods  and 
protection  of  the  revenue',  and  to  be  discontinued  as  a  bonded 
warehouse  when  the  public  interest  may  require.  All  arrange- 
ments as  regards  the  rates  of  storage,  and  the  price  of  labor  in  these 
stores,  must  be  made  between  the  importer  and  the  owner  or  occu- 
pant of  the  store,  and  all  amounts  due*  for  storage  and  labor  must 
be  collected  by  the  latter,  the  collector  looking  only  to  the  safe 
custody  of  the  merchandise,  for  the  security  of  the  revenue. 

Before  any  person  shall  be  permitted  to  open  a  store  under  class 
No.  3,  he  shall  enter  into  bond  in  such  sum,  and  with  such  sureties 
as  may  be  approved  by  the  collector  and  this  department,  exonera- 
ting the  government,  as  also  the  collector,  and  all  other  officers  of 
the  customs,  from  any  risk  growing  out  of  the  joint  custody  of 
goods  stored  in  said  stores,  such  bond  to  be  per  form  K. 

These  stores  shall  be  under  the  joint  lock  of  an  inspector  of  the 
customs  (tOibe  designated  by  the  collector)  and  the  owner  or  oc- 
cupant acting  as  agent  for  the  importers  warehousing  their  dutiable 
foreif^n  merchandise  in  such  store.  Should  the  amount  of  business 
at  any  one  store  require,  in  the  judgment  of  the  collector,  the 
services  of  more  than  one  inspector,  the  owner  or  occupant  shall 
be  required  to  pay  monthly  such  additional  sum  to  the  amount 
named  above  as  will  be  equivalent  to  the  salary  of  such  additional 
inspector  or  inspectors  required  in  attendance.  The  owner  or  oc- 
cupant of  such  store  will,  however,  be  allowed  the  option  of  pay- 
inty  the  salary  of  such  inspector  or  inspectors,  or  of  paying  monthly 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


19 


to  the  collector  one-half  storage,  at  the  rates  charged  in  public 
store,  class  1;  this  choice  to  be  determined  before  any  goods  are 
placed  in  said  store.  ^ 

The  stores  described  in  the  2d  and  3d  classes  will  be  required, 
previous  to  tbeir  being  used  for  the  storage  of  bonded  goods,  to 
have  such  fastenings  on  the  doors  and  windows  as  the  collector 
may  deem  requisite  for  the  security  of  the  property  stored,  all  such 
doors  and  windows  to  be  fastened  on  the  interior  by  strong  iroa 
bars,  except  one  entrance  in  front,  to  be  secured  by  locks  as  be- 
fore described.  The  store  must  be  separated  from  any  adjoining^ 
building  by  a  brick  or  stone  wall,  in  which  no  door  or  other  open- 
ing v.'ill  be  permitted,  and  must  have  a  party  wall  above  the  roof. 
For  the  storage  of  wines  and  distilled  spirits  only,  cellars  of 
stores  occupied  lor  general  business  purposes  may  be  used,  under 
store  classification  is'o.  2,  for  the  storage  of  wines  and  distilled 
spirits  imported  by  the  owner  or  lessee  only.  Though  the  rest  of 
t:ie  building  be  otherwise  occupied,  the  entire  cellar  or  vault  shall 
be  exclusively  appropriated  to  this  purpose,  and  shall  have  no 
opening  or  entrance  except  the  one  from  the  street,  on  which  the 
locks  are  to  be  placed. 

The  remuneration  of  the  officers  shall  be  either  the  pay  of  the 
inspector  or  one  half  the  storage,  as  in  store  class  No.  2,  to  be  de- 

Hermined  in  advance  by  the  importer,  and  one  officer  .may  have  ia 
charge  as  many  cellars  as,  in  the  judgment  of  the  collector,  he  can 
superintend  efficiently,  not  exceeding  six.  The  cellars  of  any 
stores,  class  3,  may  be  used  for  the  storage  of  wines  and  distilled 
spirits,  under  the  same  rules  as  other  merchandise,  in  said  stores. 

For  the  storage  of  coal,  mahogany  and  other  woods,  sheds  or 
yards  may  be  used,  under  the  regulation  as  prescribed  for  stores 
classed  Kos.  2  and  3,  provided  such  shed  and  yard  can  be  properly 

.fastened  and  secured,  so  as  to  insure  the  safety  of  the  property. 
The  compensation  of  the  olifcer  or  officers  required  to  be  at  the 
option  of  the  owner,  to  be  determined  in  advance,  as  in  stores 
class  2. 

A  counting-room  for  the  accommodation  of  the  owner  or  occu- 
pant may  be  allowed  in  stores  classed  2  and  3,  but  such  office  must 
be  separated  by  a  permanent  partition,  with  no  door  or  other  en- 
trance opening  therein  from  the  rest  of  the  store,  and  have  a  sepa- 
rate entrance  from  the  front.  This  partition  must  be  strapped 
with  iron,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  enable  the  inspector  to  ascertain 
whether  access  has  been  had  to  the  store.  The  officer  in  charge 
must  be  allowed  such  use  of  this  office  as  may  be  necessary  for 
him  in  making  his  daily  return  of  receipts,  deliveries  and  examina- 
tions. 

After  stores  have  been  approved  and  placed  under  customs  lock, 
the  collector  will  retain  the  right  of  ordering  such  additional  fas- 
tenings to  be  placed  thereon  as  experience  may  suggest  to  be  ne- 
cessary; such  extra  fastenings  to  be  made  by  and  at  the  expense  of 
the  owners  or  occupants  having  charge  of  the  premises. 

In  selecting  these  stores,  the  collector  w^iil  be  careful  to  take 
only  such  as  combine  convenience  to  place  of  landing  the  goods 


20  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57, 

■with  every  facility  for  receipt  and  ilelivery,  for  samplinfr,  exami- 
nation, &c.,  according  to  the  description  of  goods  to  be  stored. 
He  will  avoid  increasing  the  number  more  than  is  necessary,  due 
recard  being  had  to  the  number  of  officers  employed  at  the  port, 
Ihl  time  required  for  their  attention  at  the  stores,  and  the  restric- 
tions of  the  number  of  inspectors  and  officers  by  the  act  of  June 

17,  1S44.  ^,  , 

It  beino-  the  wish  of  this  department  to  encourage  the  building 
of  substantial  fire-proof  warehouses,  where  goods  may  be  stored 
free  from  the  risk  of  fire,  and  the  construction  of  commodious 
vaults  for  the  reception  of  wines  and  distilled  spirits,  such  build- 
in>rs  beinn-  required  by  our  rapidly  increasing  commerce,  as  well  as 
to^prevent  or  diminish  the  disastrous  fires  in  our  great  cities,  and 
the  loss  or  refunding  of  the  duty  upon  the  goods,  the  collector  will, 
in  every  instance,  give  the  preference  to  buildings  or  vaults  so  con- 
structed, more  particularly  where  the  same  are  built  of  brick, 
stone  and  iron,  the  different  floors  separated  by  iron  doors,  and 
iron  covers  to  hatchways,  having  no  wooden  or  other  combustible 
material  whatever.  In  selecting  between  such  fire-proof  stores, 
the  preference  should  be  given  to  those  having  an  iron  roof  and 
rafters,  iron  doors,  window  frames,  sashes  and  shutters,  iron  joists, 
iron  slabs  for  floors,  or  other  incombustible  material,  and  iron 
teams  and  pillars,  where  necessary. 

Should  the  owner  or  occupant  of  any  store,  cellar  or  yaru,  ne- 
glect or  refuse  to  pay  to  the  collector  the  sum  required  by  these 
instructions  for  the  use  of  an  inspector  or  inspectors,  as  he  case 
may  be,  or  fail  or  refuse  to  comply  with  any  law  ."gulat.ng  the 
storage  of  merchandise,  or  any  rules  or  regulations  issued  by  this 
depar^tment  or  by  the  collector,  for  the  safety  of  the  goods  so 
stored,  the  collector  shall  refuse  permission  to  deposit  goods  ui  or 
to  deliver  any  from  such  store,  and  report  the  facts  at  once  to  this 
•department  for  its  further  action.  ,      ,      ,  ■  „,„ 

Sec  4   All  private  bonded  warehouses  must  be  placed  in  custo- 
dy of  an  inspector  of  the  customs,  who  will  always  keep  the 
key  thereof  in  his  own  possession,  and  personally  superintend  the 
opening  and  closing  of  the  doors  and  windows.    He  must  be  in 
constant  attendance  at  the  store  from  sunrise  to  sunset,  except  at 
the  time  necessary  for  his  meals,  not  ov6r  one  hour  at  noon,  when 
the  store  must  be  closed.    He  will  not  suffer  any  goods  to  be  re- 
ceived, delivered,  sampled,  packed  or  repacked,  except  in  his  pre- 
sence,'and  in  pur'suance  of  an  order  from  the  collector,  -  the  man- 
ner hereinafter  prescribed.    The  collector  wil    require  of  him  tc 
keep  an  accurate  account  of  all  receipts  and  del'^\"'"  °J 
orders  for  sampling,  examinations,  repacking,  &c.,  in  such  manne 
and  form  as  he  may  direct;  and  he  shall  be  '^q"'"^  \o  report  t 
the  collector  and  warehouse  superintenden  every  'nf"'^*'^" 
Avarehouse  rules  and  regulations  committed  at  his  store  by  an>  per 
son  or  persons.    He  will  not  be  permitted  to  receive  any  rewar 
;r  eratuily  from  any  source,  in  addition  to  his  pay  from  the  Ln 
ted         si  as  prescribed  in  he  Wd  sec.  act  of  n99,  which  collec 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


21 


tors  will  rigidly  enforce.  No  officer  shall  be  allowed  to  have  more 
than  one  store  of  class  No.  3  under  his  charge,  and  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  collector,  at  least  once  a  year,  (or  as  much  oftener  as 
he  may  deem  requisite,)  to  transfer  the  officers  in  charge  of  stores 
class  Sos.  2  and  3  from  one  store  to  another,  thus  preventing  any 
officer  having  the  charge  of  any  one  store  for  a  longer  period  than, 
one  year.  The  officer  so  transferred  shall  furnish  his  successor 
with  a  complete  inventory  of  the  goods  in  such  store;  and  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  his  successor,  immediately  on  taking  charge,  to  ex- 
amine the  goods  in  the  store  to  see  if  they  agree  with  the  invento- 
ry, and  the  result  of  this  examination  shall  be  communicated  to  the 
collector  within  ten  days  from  the  date  of  his  taking  charge  of  the 
store.  Should  any  discrepancies  be  found  between  the  statement 
of  the  officer  transferred  and  the  inventory  taken,  the  collector  will 
immediately  investigate  the  case,  at  the  same  time  reporting  the 
facts  to  this  department.  Public  stores  will  be  under  the  superin- 
tendence of  the  same  officers,  and  be  kept  open  for  the  transaction 
of  business  the  same  hours  as  heretofore;  but  all  the  regulations 
here  prescribed  as  to  the  receipt  and  delivery,  examinations, ^sam- 
pling, packing  and  repacking  of  goods,  and  keeping  of  books  and 
Touchers,  must  be  observed  in  them  as  well  as  in  private  ware- 
houses. 

Sec  5.  When  goods  are  sent  from  the  ship  or  vessel  in  which 
the  same  may  have  been  imported  to  a  warehouse  under  a  ware- 
house permit,  each  cart  or  lighter  load  must  be  accompanied  by  a, 
receipt,  describing  the  marks,  numbers,  and  description  of  pack- 
ages. This  receipt  will  be  signed  by  the  inspector  in  charge  of  the 
store,  on  due  receipt  of  the  goods,  and  Vvill  be  returned  by  the 
drayman  or  lighterman  to  the  inspector  on  board  the  vessel.  These 
cart  or  lighter  receipts  are  to  be  numbered  progressively;  and  in 
case  the  numbers  do  not  arrive  at  the  store  in  due  course,  the  in- 
spector in  charge  of  the  store  shall  inquire  into  and  ascertain  the 
cause,  snd  if  there  be  any  appearance  of  fraud,  he  shall  acquaint 
the  collector  therewith  without  loss  of  time. 

The  officers  at  the  warehouse,  on  receiving  the  goods,  will  com- 
pare the  marks  and  numbers  with  the  receipts,  and  keep  an  account 
of  these  particulars  in  his  official  book  of  receipts,  together  with 
the  number  of  the  floor,  and  the  part  of  the  store  where  the  goods 
are  deposited,  that  he  may  at  any  time  be  able  to  fiad  the  goods 
from  the  description  in  his  official  record.  When  deliveries  of 
goods  take  place,  such  delivery  will  be  noted  on  the  same  record, 
opposite  the  account  of  receipt,  in  order  that  it  may  be  ascertained 
at  any  time,  on  the  examination  of  such  record,  what  part  of  each 
lot  or  parcel  of  goods  remain  in  store.  This  record  must  also  con- 
"  tain  full  particulars  of  any  repacking  of  the  merchandise  and  sam- 
pling of  liquors  for  transportation,  when  the  same  are  authorized 
by  the  collector  under  these  instructions. 

Sec.  6.  In  each  of  the  ports  of  Boston,  New  York,  Philadelphia, 
Baltimore,  Charleston,  and  New  Orleans,  the  collector  shall  desig- 
3iate,  with  the  approbation  of  this  department,  from  among  the  offi- 
cers or  clerks,  some  suitable  person  to  be  designated  warehouse 


23 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57, 


superintentlent,  uhose  duty  it  sh;ill  be  to  superintend  all  the  pub- 
lic and  private  stores  in  such  ports,  visiting  them  daily  to  ascer- 
tain whether  the  oflicers  are  regular  in  their  attenciance,  the  books 
correctly  kept,  and  whether  all  the  regulations  issued  by  this  de- 
partment are  correctly  observed  and  diligently  enforced.  It  shall 
further  be  his  duty,  under  directions  from  the  collector,  to  examine 
all  stores  which  the  owners  or  occupants  thereof  may  desire  to 
have  made  bonded  warehouses,  under  these  instructions,  and  make 
report  thereof  to  the  collector;  and  after  such  have  been  approved, 
to  make  such  daily  examination  of  their  condition,  to  ascertain  the 
security  of  the  same,  and  what  additional  fastenings,  &c.,  may  be 
necessary  for  the  security  of  the  property.  He  will  also  superin- 
tend, with  the  inspector  of  the  store,  all  silks  withdrawn  for  print- 
ing, dying,  &c.,  as  provided  in  these  instructions,  taking  an  ac- 
count of  the  same;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  person  or  per- 
sons withdrawing  such  goods  for  dying,  &c.,  to  notify  the  vrare- 
house  superintendent,  that  he  may  be  present  at  the  place  and  time 
required.  Such  superintendent  shall  have  a  desk  in  the  custom- 
house, and  shall  be  required  to  make  a  daily  report  to  the  collector 
of  every  violation  of  the  warehouse  instructions  and  rules,  and  of 
all  other  matters  coming  under  his  observation  of  importance  to 
the  security  of  the  revenue.  This  oflicer  is  not  intended  to  inter- 
fere with  the  duties  of  the  storekeeper  of  the  port  in  his  charge  of 
the  receipts  and  deliveries  of  goods  in  all  the  stores,  and  keeping 
the  accounts  of  property  in  each,  as  has  heretofore  been  the  case, 
"but  is,  under  the  directions  of  the  collector,  to  have  a  general  su- 
pervision of  the  warehouse  business,  to  see  that  the  laws  and  regu- 
lations are  faithfully  observed  by  the  inspectors  in  charge  of  each 
store,  and  the  importer  or  agent  having  joint  custody.  He  will 
also  perforsQ  such  other  duties  in  addition  to  the  above  as  the  col- 
lector may  devolve  upon  him. 

Sec.  7.  At  those  ports  where  stores  are  owned  or  have  been 
leased  by  the  United  States,  and  the  leases  of  which  have  not  ex- 
pired and  been  cancelled,  in  compliance  with  the  Instructions  of 
this  department — said  stores  being  classified  in  these  instructions 
as  class  1 — the  collectors  will,  on  entry  for  warehousing,  first  fill 
said  stores  with  such  goods  as  are  proper  to  be  stored  therein,  due 
regard  being  had  to  the  description  and  character  of  the  goods  and 
place  of  deposite.  In  all  other  cases  the  importer,  consignee  or 
agent,  shall  be  at  liberty  to  select  the  place  of  storage  from  any 
stores,  sheds,  yards  or  other  places,  previously  approved  as  bonded 
Tvarehouses,  under  classifications  1,  2  and  3. 

Sec  8.  All  merchandise  thus  sto.red  may  be  examined,  at  any 
lime  during  the  business  hours  of  the  port,  by  the  importer,  con- 
signee or  agent,  who  shall  have  liberty  to  take  samples  of  his  goods 
in  quantities  according  to  the  usages  of  the  port,  make  all  needful 
Tepairs  of  packages,  and  to  repack  the  same,  provided  the  original 
contents  are  placed  in  the  new  packages,  and  the  original  marks 
and  numbers  placed  thereon,  in  the  mode  prescribed  in  the  75th 
fction  of  the  act  of  2d  March,  1799,  and  32d  section,  act  of  1st 
March,  1823.    He  may  also  have  any  further  privileges  to  facili- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


23 


tate  the  sale  of  his  goods  while  Wl  bond  which  the  collector  of  the 
port  may  deem  advisable,  and  not  inconsistent  with  law  or  the 
safety  of  the  revenue;  provided,  that  no  samples  shall  be  taken, 
Eor  shall  any  goods  be  exhibited  or  examined  unless  under  the  im- 
mediate supervision  of  an  inspector  of  the  customs,  and  by  order 
of  the  importer,  owner  or  consignee,  and  at  his  expense,  nor  shall 
any  package  be  repaired  or  goods  repacked  without  a  written  order 
from  the  collector  of  the  port. 

Sec.  9.  All  goods  unclaimed  by  the  owner  or  consignee  at  the 
expiration  of  the  period  allowed  by  law  for  the  discharge  of  the 
vessel  in  which  the  same  may  have  been  imported,  shall  be  sent  by 
the  collector  to  the  stores  owned  and  leased  by  the  United  States, 
class  1,  if  there  be  any  at  the  port.  If  there  be  no  such  stores, 
'Len  said  goods  shall  be  deposited  in  safe,  warehouses  temporarily 
,:ired  for  that  purpose  by  the  collector,  and  under  his  sole  custody. 
The  owner  or  consignee  of  such  goods  may,  at  any  time  thereafter, 
within  the  period  provided  by  law,  be  allowed  the  privileges  herein 
granted  to  bonded  merchandise,  on  making  due  entry  thereof  for 
warehousing.  After  having  been  entered  for  warehouse,  these 
goods  cannot  be  transferred  to  other  stores,  but  must  remain  in  the 
place  where  originally  deposited  till  payment  of  duties,  tinless 
vrithdrawn  for  transportation  to  another  port  in  the  United  States, 
for  exportation,  or  the  better  security  of  the  revenue  requires  their 
removal. 

Sec.  10.  In  all  cases  where  the  collector  may  be  called  upon  to 
exercise  the  discretion  given  him  in  the  56tj^  section,  act  1799,  to 
take  possession  of  merchandise  remaining  on  board  a  vessel,  five 
days  after  her  entry  at  the  custom  house,  or  whenever  it  may  be 
necessary  on  account  of  a  vessel's  being  leaky,  or  from  other  cause 
or  casualt)^  to  take  possession  of  her  cargo,  as  required  by  the  60th 
section,  act  1799,  he  will  require,  as  a  condition  of  granting  the 
permit  for  discharge,  the  right  to  order  the  vessel  to  be  removed  at 
the  expense  of  the  owner  to  such  place,  wharf,  or  pier,  adjacent  to 
the  stores  owned  or  leased  by  the  United  States,  class  1,  where 
such  goods  must  be  stored,  (if  there  be  any  at  the  port.)  as  may  be 
most  convenient  for  unloading  the  goods,  and  their  safe  and  eco- 
nomical storage.  This  order,  however,  is  not  to  apply  to  steamers, 
where  particular  instructions  have  already  issued  from  this  depart- 
ment, or  at  ports  where  no  such  stores  exist. 

Sec.  11.  Vv^incs  and  distilled  spirits,  heretofore  deposited  in  pub- 
lic store  under  the  direction  of  the  surveyor,  or  in  private  stores, 
iinder  the  joint  custody  of  the  surveyor  and  importer,  to  secure  the 
right  of  drawback  on  the  exportation  thereof,  must  be  stored,  here- 
after, in  the  stores  owned  or  leased  by  the  United  States,  class  No. 
1,  or  in  stores,  class  2  or  3,  in  joint  custody  of  the  collector  and 
importer^  in  the  same  manner  as  herein  provided  for  other  mer- 
chandise. In  all  cases,  the  duties  accruing  thereon  must  be  paid 
within  one  year  from  the  date  of  importation,  as  provided  in  the 
1st  section  of  the  warehouse  act,  but  such  goods  must  still  remain 
m  tne  place  where  stored,  after  the  duties  have  been  paid,  to  se- 
cure the  right  of  drawback  on  exportation.    To  prevent  errors  and 


24        *  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

to  distinguish  the  Mines  and  distilled  spirits,  on  which  the  duty 
may  have  been  paid,  it  shall  %e  the  duty  of  the  ofTieer  having 
charge  of  the  store  ^Yhere  the  same,  may  be  deposited,  on  being  no- 
tified by  the  collector  that  the  duties  have  been  paid,  to  brand  the 
cask  or  other  package  with  the  words  duty  paid — any  other  mer- 
chandise which  the  importer  or  owner  may  have  in  warehouse, 
ifter  the  duty  thereon  is  paid,  shall  also,  on  notification  thereof,  as 
above,  be  branded  duty  paidj  and  may  remain  in  warehouse  on  the 
payment  of  storage. 

Sec.  12.  The  entry  of  goods  for  warehouse  on  arrival  from  a 
foreign  port  shall  be  made  as  per  form  1,  and  must  be  verified 
under  oath  or  affirmation,  as  prescribed  by  the  4th  section  of  the  act 
of  1st  March,  1833,  and  treasury  circular,  August  14,  1846,  all  the 
requirements  of  the  6th,  7th.  8th  and  11th  sections  of  that  act  being 
strictly  adhered  to,  and  all  acts  necessary  to  determine  their  exact 
quantity,  quality,  and  original  cost,  and  dutiable  value,  such  as 
appraising,  weighing,  gauging  or  measuring,  in  order  to  ascertain 
the  p^'ecise  amount  of  duty  chargeable  on  the  goods,  must  be  per- 
formed and  complied  with.  If  part  of  an  importation  is  to  be 
landed  and  the  duties  paid  forthwith,  and  the  remainder  ware- 
housed, the  two  entries  must  be  made  simultaneously,  and  the  oath 
altered  to  correspond.  If  no  invoice  has  been  received,  the  goods 
cannot  be  entered  for  warehousing,  but  shall  be  stored  in  public 
stores  as  other  unclaimed  goods. 

Sec.  13.  When  the  duly  has  been  estimated  by  the  collector  and 
naval  officer,  and  the  stores  designated  and  agreed  on,  the  collector 
shall  take  a  bond  wi^h  satisfactory  security,  according  to  form  A, 
in  double  the  amount  of  duties,  he  will  then  issue  a  permit,  form 
12,  to  the  discharging  offiicer  to  send  the  goods,  according  to  the 
usual  custom  of  the  port,  to  the  store  designated  therein,  with  the 
exception  of  those  which  may  be  ordered  to  the  appraiser's  stores 
for  examination.  Such  order  must  also  indicate  what  goods  are  to^ 
be  w^eighed,  gauged  or  measured,  and  such  necessary  weighing, 
gauging  or  measuring,  is  in  ail  cases  to  be  done  before  the  depo- 
site  of  goods  in  warehouse. 

Sec.  14.  When  that  portion  of  an  invoice  which  may  designated 
by  the  collector,  and  sent  to  the  appraiser's  store  for  examination, 
shall  be  examined  by  the  appraisers,  said  goods  shall  be  removed 
to  the  warehouse,  where  the  remainder  of  the  goods  described  in 
the  invoice  have  been  deposited,  the  expense  of  such  removal  being 
borne  by  the  importer. 

Sec.  15.  When  the  goods  have  been  deposited  in  warehouse,  and 
the  dutiable  value,  quantity  and  character  thereof  ascertained,  and 
the  damage,  if  any,  assessed  in  the  manner  provided  by  law,  and 
after  the  report  of  the  appraisers  has  been  made  to  the  collector, 
the  importer,  agent  or  purchaser  may  withdraw  any  entire  case  or 
package,  or  any  quantity  not  less  than  one  ton  in  weight,  if  im- 
ported" in  bulk,  but  no  goods  on  a  v/harf  or  pier,  or  on  board  a 
vessel,  are  to  be  considered  constructively  warehoused,  except  when 
specially  provided  for  by  these  instructions. 

Sec.  16.  On  the  withdrawal  from  warehouse,  and  payment  of 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  ^  25 

duty,  the  entry  shall  be  made  per  form  2,  a  duplicate  being  depo- 
sited  with  the  naval  officer,  and  upon  the.payment  of  duty  thereoa 
a  permit,  form  13,  shall  be  grafted  for  the  delivery  of  the  goods 

Sec  17  If  withdrawn  for  transportation  to  another  district,  the 
entry  shall  be  made  as  per  form  3,  and  the  person  so  entering  shall 
give  bond,  with  satisfactory  security,  according  to  form  13,  and  a 
triplicate  copy  of  said  entry,  with  the  duties  estimated  there^on, 
having  been  deposited  with  the  collector  to  be  forwarded  oy  hini 
to  the  port  where  said  goods  are  destined,  together  with  a  certified 
copy  of  the  invoice,  with  the  appraiser's  report  thereon,  a  permit 
shall  be  issued,  form  13,  countersigned  by  the  naval  ofacer,  to  de- 
liver the  «:'oods  to  the  person  withdrawing  for  transportation. 

Sec  18  When  goods  have  arrived  at  a  port  of  destination  they 
must  immediately  be  entered  for  warehousing,  as  per  form  5,  and 
verified  by  oath,  form  14,  such  re-warehousing  entry  being  in  all 
cases  a  copv  of  withdrawal  entry  at  port  of  last  withdrawal.  On 
bein<v  sworA  to,  and  the  place  of  deposit  having  been  agreed  upon, 
as  herein  "before  provided  for  goods  on  arrival,  and  a  bond,  with 
satisfactory  securitv  taken,  form  C,  the  collector  shall  issue  an  or- 
der, form  15,  to  the  storekeeper,  to  receive  said  goods  in  the  ware- 
house designated  therein.  .  . 

On  the  same  examination  being  made  of  tiie  goods  as  is  required 
by  law,  on  the  importation  of  merchandise  from  foreign  ports,  it 
the  collector  is  satisfied  that  the  goods  so  examined  are  the  idenu- 
cal  goods  described  in  the  entry  and  invoice  received  by  him,  he 
will  send  notice  of  the  same,  form  17,  to  the  collector  ct  the  port 
where  withdrawn,  to  cancel  the  bond  there  given.  If,  however,  the 
consio-nee  or  owner  should  desire  to  pay  the  duty  and  get  posses- 
sion of  his  goods  immediately  on  their  arrival,  an  entry  may  be 
made,  per  form  6,  and  a  permit,  form  16,  countersigned  oy  the  na- 
val officer,  be  given  for  their  delivery.  Such  goods  need  not  go  .o 
a  warehouse,  nor  be  examined  by  the  appraisers,  but  may  oe  con- 
sidered constructively  warehoused.  The  amount  of  duties_  paid 
shall  be,  in  all  cases,  the  amount  assessed  at  first  port.  Notice  ot 
the  payment  of  duties,  form  17,  shall  be  sent  to_  port  where  witn- 
drawn,  to  cancel  the  transportation  bond  there  given. 

Sec  19  Should  merchandise,  after  being  re-warehoused,  be  with- 
drawn for  consumption,  transportation  or  exportation,  the  entries 
shall  be  made  as  per  forms  6,  7'and  8,  and  all  other  regulations, 
as  to  bonds,  oaths,  examinations,  &o.,  be  comp  led  with,  as  herein 
provided  for  entries  at  first  and  second  ports,  all  transportation  en- 
tries being  made  in  triplicate,  and  such  triplicate  to  oe  forwarded 
by  the  collector  to  port  of  destination,  with  a  certmed  copy  ot,  or 

extract  from  invoice.  »       i.  „p 

Sec  20  When  goods  are  withdrawn  from  warehouse  at  port  ot 
original  importatioa,  for  exportation,  the  entry  must  be  made  pet 
form  4,  the  oath  prescribed  in  form  18  be  taken,  and  a  bond  wita 
satisfactory  security,  per  form  D,  for  the  delivery  of  he  goods  at 
a  foreign  port  or  place;  when  the  bond  is  received,  the  collector 
and  naval  officer  will  issue  a  permit,  form  19,  to  deliver  the  goods 
to  the  surveyor,  and  shall  direct  the  surveyor  to  cause  the  same  to 


2C 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


be  laded  on  Lop-rd  for  exportatioi^  indicating;  \vhich  are  to  be 
weighed,  measured  and  guaged,  whicTi  directions  shall  be  as  per  form 
20,  the  othcer  under  v.'hose  inspection  the  goods  are  shipped  must 
certify  on  the  entry,  as  per  form  21.  To  cancel  the  export  bonds, 
form  D,  the  exporter  must  furnish  the  proofs  required  by  law.  It 
goods  are  exported  from  other  than  port  of  original  importation,  the 
entry  must  be  per  form  8,  the  other  forms  being  the  same,  altering 
the  words  "  imported  into,*'  to  ''brought  into,"  as  they  occur  in 
the  bond  and  permit. 

Sec.  21.  If  merchandise  be  withdrawn  from  warehouse  for  trans- 
portation through  the  United  States  to  Canada,  entry  must  be 
made  per  form  9,  always  stating  therein  the  last  port  in  the  United 
States  whence  the  same  are  to  be  shipped  to  Canada,  and  a  tripli- 
cate copy  of  such  entry,  with  a  certified  copy  of  the  invoice,  to  be 
deposited  with  collector  at  time  of  making  the  entry,  and  to  be  by 
him  forwarded  to  such  last  port  in  the  United  States,  as  in  the  case 
of  transportation  entries.  The  entry  to  be  verified  by  oath,  as  per 
form  23,  and  bond  given,  as  per  form  E,  for  the  safe  transporta- 
tion through  the  United  States  and  their  landing  in  Canada;  a  per- 
mit shall  issue,  per  form  24,  countersigned  by  naval  ofricer,  for  jthe 
delivery  of  the  goods. 

To  prevent  frauds  on  the  revenue,  the  collector,  before  delivery, 
will  have  all  goods  in  boxes,  cases,  bales  or  casks,  corded,  and  a 
lead  seal  attached  thereto,  to  prevent  said  package  from  being 
opened;  cigars  in  small  boxes  must  be  packed  in  cases  and  sealed 
as  above.  Wines  and  distilled  spirits  in  casks  or  other  packages 
must  have  the  number  of  bung  or  other  holes  in  such  package  legi- 
bly branded  on  the  exterior,  and  all  such  holes  must  be  sealed  to 
prevent  adulteration  or  alteration  in  transit;  he  will  also  take  a 
sample  of  each  package  of  liquors,  except  w^hen  in  bottles,  not  ex- 
ceeding in  quantity  eight  ounces,  all  of  which  samples  must  be 
immediately  deposited  with  the  storekeeper  of  the  port,  who  wmU 
hold  them  subject  to  the  orders  of  the  collector.  The  expense  of 
sealing,  branding,  encasing  and  sampling,  to  be  paid  by  the  owners 
before  delivery,  the  triplicate  entry,  forwarded  as  before  provided 
for,  to  specify  particulars  of  sealing  and  branding.  On  arrival  at 
the  last  port  in  the  United  States,  designated  in  entry,  and  on  noti- 
fication thereof,  form  22,  the  collector  of  such  port  will  cause  the 
goods  to  be  examined,  to  ascertain  if  the  cords  and  seals  are  per- 
fect, and,  if  found  correct,  will  allow  the  same  to  be  laden  for  ex- 
portation to  port  of  destination,  in  the  usual  manner  and  under  the 
superintendence  of  a  proper  officer,  without  further  entry.  Goods 
in  bulk,  or  other  articles  which  cannot  be  sealed,  as  raisins  in 
boxes  and  similar  articlts,  sugar,  molasses,  flour,  ^cc,  must  be  ex- 
amined by  the  collector,  before  the  same  are  allowed  to  be  expor- 
ted, and  weighed,  gauged  and  measured,  if  necessary.  All  goods 
so  arriving,  if  an  opportunity  offers  for  immediate  shipment  and 
export,  and  a  satisfactory  examination  can  be  had,  in  the  judgment 
of  the  collector,  without  placing  the  same  in  store,  mr.y  be  con- 
sidered constructively  warehoused,  and  accounted  for  as  warehoused 
and  withdrawn  for  export,  in  the  returns  to  this  department. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57, 


27 


No  export  bond  is  required  at  last  port  of  exportation,  the  bond 
at  port  of  withdrawal  extending,  as  before  stated,  to  their  landing 
in  Canada.  The  same  forms  of  entry,  and  the  same  regulations 
are  to  apply  at  ports  on  the  Canadian  frontier  to  goods  from 
Canada,  warehoused  at  those  ports,  to  be  transported  through  the 
United  States  for  shipment  to  foreign  countrits.^  If  the  triplicate 
entry  be  found  correct  on  examination,  as  provided  for  above,  the 
collector  will  give  notice  thereof,  per  form  17,  to  the  collector  of 
the  port  where  withdrawn  from  warehouse,  who,  on  receipt  of  the 
same,  with  the  usual  landing  certificate  or  other  proofs  similar  to 
those  now  required  on  goods  exported  for  benefit  of  drawback,  will 
cancel  the  bond  taken  by  him.  Great  care  should  be  taken  at  the 
port  of  export  to  ascertain  that  no  change  has  been  made  in  the 
contents  of  packages,  and  that  no  alteration  or  fabrication  of  the 
seals  or  brands  has  been  committed.  Should  any  such  change,  al- 
teration or  fabrication  have  taken  place,  or  other  circumstances 
Lave  occurred  in  the  transit,  to  induce  the  collector  to  suspect 
fraud,  he  will  take  immediate  possession  of  the  goods,  and  send  a 
statement  of  the  case  to  this  department,  at  the  same  time  notify- 
ing the  collector  of  the  port  whence  withdrawn  of  the  detention. 
Should  any  delayoccur  in  the  exportation  of  such  goods,  for  want 
of  vessels  or  other  cause,  the  collector  shall  take  possession  thereof, 
depositing  them  in  the  stores  belonging  to  or  leased  by  the  United 
States,  class  1,  if  there  be  any,  or  if  there  are  no  such  stores,  in  ap- 
proved warehouses,  to  be  engaged  temporarily  for  that  purpose.  The 
expense  of  such  storage,  with  all  other  charges  except  weighing, 
gauging,  and  measuring  when  necessary,  to  test  the  correctness  of 
the  quantities  specified  in  the  accompanying  entry,  are  to  be  paid 
by  the  owner  or  agent  before  the  delivery  of  the  property  for  ex- 
port. 

Sec.  22.  On  the  arrival  from  foreign  ports  of  any  goods  destined 
for  immediate  transportation  to  other  ports  in  the  United  States, 
instead  of  first  warehousing  the  goods  and  then  withdrawing,  per 
foregoing  forms,  the  warehousing  and  transportation  may  be  com- 
bined in  one  entry,  see  form  10;  the  oaths  to  be  the  same  as  pre- 
scribed in  original  warehouse  entry,  and  the  bond  as  per  form  F; 
in  all  other  respects,  the  foregoing  regulations  as  to  warehouse 
and  transportation  entries  and  examinations  to  be  complied  with; 
ail  such  goods  to  be  considered  constructively  warehoused  in  the 
collectoi's  accounts  at  port  of  importation  in  the  United  States.  On 
giving  bond,  as  above,  permit  shall  issue,  form  12,  to  send  goods 
to  public  store,  if  there  be  any,  if  not,  to  such  warehouse,  class  2 
or  3  as  may  be  agreed  on,  while  examination  is  being  made  by  ap- 
praisers. If  the  goods  be  returned  as  correct,  a  permit,  form  13, 
shall  i?sue,  to  deliver  for  transportation.  When  the  permit  is 
given  as  above,  form  12,  should  the  im^porter  give  penal  bond, 
form  G,  to  deliver  other  packages  for  examination,  besides  those 
at  the  time  designated,  if  the  same  should  be  required  by  th'e  ap- 
praisers, the  collector  may  deliver  from  the  vessel,  for  immediate 
transportation,  the  remainder  of  the  goods  as  per  entry,  except 
liquors  and  cigars,  which,  in  all  cases  must  go  to  a  public  store,  if 


28 


E;^.  Doc.  No.  57. 


there  be  any,  if  not,  to  a  warehouse  class  2  or  3,  for  sealing  and 
casing. 

Sec.  23.  On  examination  by  the  appraisers  of  merchandise 
entered  for  warehouse,  should  the  invoice  thereof  be  found  under- 
valued, and  a  penal  duty  incurred,  such  penal  duty  must  be  paid 
before  their  delivery  from  warehouse  for  consumption,  or  with- 
drawal for  transp.ortation  to  another  port,  or  before  permission  is 
given  for  lading  the  goods  on  board  a  vessel  for  exportation  to  a 
foreign  port,  as  provided  for  in  circular  from  this  department, 
dated  June  12th,  1847. 

Sec.  2-1.  All  claims  for  damage  on  the  voyage  of  importation  on 
goods  warehoused  must  be  made  within  ten  days  after  date  of 
landing,  and  such  damage  assessed  and  collector's  order  for  ap- 
praisement returned,  with  the  appraiser's  report  thereon,  withii> 
twenty  days  from  the  date  of  its  issue,  or  such  damage  will  not  be 
allowed.    See  treasury  circular,  No.  33. 

Sec.  25.  All  wines  and  distilled  spirits  transported  in  bond,  from 
one  port  to  another,  must  be  branded  and  sealed,  and  all  cigars  so 
transported  must  be  encased  and  sealed,  before  delivered  from 
store,  in  the  same  manner  as  provided  for  when  passing  through 
the  United  States  to  Canada. 

Sec.  28.  Pongees,  and  other  plain  white  silks  in  bond  may  be 
withdrawn  from  warehouse  to  be  colored,  printed,  stained,  dyed, 
painted  or  stamped,  the  collector  taking  a  deposite  in  money,  equal 
to  the  amount  of  duties  ascertained  to  be  payable,  which  dcposite 
shall  be  refunded,  if  the  goods  aforesaid  be  returned  to  the  ware- 
house repacked,  in  the  original  condition,  and  according  to  original 
marks  and  numbers,  within  sixty  days  from  date  of  delivery  thereof. 
Each  package  shall,  before  the  same  be  delivered  from  warehouse, 
be  opened  and  examined  by  the  proper  officer  of  the  customs,  and 
the  contents  thereof  measured  or  wti<^hedj  and  the  quality  thereof 
ascertained,  and  a  sample  of  each  piece  thereof  reserved  at  the 
custom  house,  and  a  particular  account  or  registry  of  such  exami- 
nation shall  be  entered  on  the  books  of  the  custom  house.  On 
the  return  of  said  goods,  if  the  collector  shall  be  satisiied  that  the 
contents  of  each  package  are  the  identical  goods  imported  and  re- 
gistered as  aforesaid,  and  not  changed  or  altered,  except  by  being 
colored,  dyed,  stamped,  stained,  painted  or  printed,  as  aforesaid, 
he  shall  "thereupon  refund  the  deposit  as  aforesaid,  and  said  goods 
shall  be  entitled  to  the  same  privileges  as  if  in  original  condition, 
as  per  4th  sec.  act  22d  May,  1824. 

Sec.  27.  To  secure  a  just  and  accurate  accountability,  and  to 
enable  the  returns  required  by  this  department,  per  4th  sec.  of  the 
act  of  the  6th  of  August,  1846,  to  be  prepared  correctly . and  for- 
warded promptly  to  this  department,  the  warehouse  accounts  will, 
from  and  after  the  receipt  of  these  instructions,  be  kept  in  the  form 
and  manner  as  prescribed  in  forms  H  and  I.  The  accounts  per  form 
H  will  be  those  of  each  importer,  a  separate  account  for  each  entry 
kept 'in  alphabetical  order,  in  reference  to  names  of  importers,  and 
posted  daily,  so  that  the  liability  of  importers,  under  their  several 
bonds  can  be  at  once  seen  on  reference  to  the  account.  The  accounts, 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


29 


form  Ij  will  be  of  each  class  of  articles  warehoused,  to  be  kept 
under  the  several  classifications,  per  memorandum  M,  annexed. 
These  accounts  to  be  kept  in  debit  and  credit  form,  debiting  the 
account  with  the  quantity  and  value  of  the  article,  per  warehouse 
entry,  and  crediting  it  wuth  the  withdrawal  entries  for  transporta- 
tion, exportation  or  consumption.  Separate  legers,  but  kept  in  the 
same  manner,  will  be  opened  for  goods  brought  from  other  districts 
where  they  have  been  warehoused,  thus  separating  the  goods 
^'brought  into"  from  those  '^imported  into"  your  district. 

The  balance  of  accounts,  form  I,  will  consequently  give  the 
quantity  and  value  of  each  description  of  goods  in  warehouse,  and 
a  transcri  pt  of  such  balances  will  form  the  quarterly  statement  re- 
quired by  sec.  4  of  the  warehouse  act.  Great  care  must  be  taken 
to  have  these  accounts  strictly  correct,  and  to  secure  every  entry, 
either  for  receipt  into  or  withdrawal  from_  warehouse,  being  posted. 
Collectors  will  require  that  no  permit,  either  for  warehousing  or 
for  withdrawal,  for  consumption,  transportation,  or  exportation  be 
signed,  until  it  has  passed  through  and  received  the  check  of  the 
clerk  having  charge  of  the  legers  in  which  the  accounts  are  kept. 
The  returns  heretofore  received  at  this  department  being  deficient, 
in  many  cases,  in  the  quantities,  collectors  will  require,  in  every 
instance,  that  the  entries,  either  for  warehouse  or  withdrawal,  con- 
tain the  quantities  in  pounds,  yards,  gallons,  &c.,  as  w^ell  as  the 
value  of  each  article.  As  these  entries,  or  a  true  copy,  will  form 
the  basis  of  the  warehouse  accounts,  (the  accounts  being  posted 
from  them,)  whenever  any  alteration  is  made  in  the  original  entry, 
either  in  quantity  or  value  by  appraisement  or  otherwise,  the  origi- 
nal entry,  as  amended,  must  be  sent  to  the  warehouse  clerks,  that 
their  accounts  may  be  altered  to  conform  to  it.  No  withdraw^al 
permit  must  be  checked  till  such  alteration,  if  required,  has  been 
made.  V/hen  goods  are  allowed  to  be  constructively  warehoused 
by  these  instructions,  they  must,  in  every  case,  appear  on  the 
warehouse  books,  and  returned  as  warehoused,  and  withdrawn  in 
the  same  manner  as  if  the  goods  were  deposited  in  store. 

The  quarterly  report,  indicating  what  goods  may  remain  in  w^are- 
house,  must  be  transmitted  to  this  department*  within  thirty  days 
from  the  expiration  of  each  quarter. 

In  addition  to  the  quarterly  report  of  goods  in  warehouse,  a 
quarterly  statement  of  the  goods  received  from  and  transported  to 
other  ports  in  the  United  States  will  be  forwarded  to  this  depart- 
ment, as  required  in  treasury  instructions  of  October  30,  1846, 
within  thirty  days  from  the  expiration  of  the  quarter.  The  new 
forms  of  accounts,  now  furnished,  will  enable  this  statement  to  be 
made  with  but  little  additional  labor. 

Sec.  28.  The  storekeeper,  or  whatever  clerk  or  officer,  who  may 
have  charge  of  such  business,  will  hereafter  keep  a  daily  record  of 
all  receipts  and  expenditures  for  storage,  labor,  and  cartnge,  at  the 
appraiser's  and  other  stores,  owned  or  leased  by  the  Uuited  States, 
keeping  separate  accounts  for  storage,  for  labor,  and  for  cartage 
connected  with  the  appraiser's  department,  and  a  separate  account  of 
each  of  these  items,  for  the  other  public  stores  collectively,  account- 


30 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


ing  monthly  to  the  collector  for  such  daily  receipts  and  expendi- 
tures, \Tho  ^vill  forward  quarterly  such  statements  to  this  depart- 
ment. 

Sec.  29.  When  any  goods,  duly  warehoused,  shall  remain  in 
store  beyond  on6  year  without  payment  of  the  duties  and  charges 
thereon,  which,  in  pursuance  of  the  warehouse  act,  are  required,  to 
be  appraised  and  sold,  the  department  hereby  proscribes  that  all 
such  sales  shall  take  place  within  thirty  days  after  the  expiration 
of  the  year,  and  due  notice  of  such  sales  must  be  published  in  two 
or  more  of  the  public  papers  having  the  most  extensive  circulation 
at  the  poit  in  question,  daily,  at  the  principal  ports,  for  the  space 
of  ten  days,  and  at  the  other  ports  three  times  a  week,  or,  as  often 
as  one  or  more  papers  may  be  published  thereat  for  the  space  of 
two  weeks.  But,  as  the  law  provides  that  all  goods  of  a  perish- 
able nature,  and  all  gunpowder,  fire-crackers,  and  explosive  sub- 
stances, deposited  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  sold  forthwith,  they  must 
be  sold  at  the  earliest  day  practicable  after  due  publication  of 
notice,  and  time  given  for  inspection  by  persons  desirous  of  pur- 
chasing the  same,  and  accounts  of  such  sales  must  be  rendered,  as 
per  form  prescribed  in  previous  instructions. 

Sec.  30.  When  goods  duly  entered  for  warehouse  have  been  de- 
posited in  public  stores,  class  I,  and  the  required  examinations 
completed,  the  persons  making  entry  thereof  shall  be  entitled  to 
receive  a  certificate  of  their  being  so  deposited,  as  per  form  L,  pay- 
ing twenty  cents  therefor.  Such  certiiicate  to  be  signed  by  the 
storekeeper,  or  such  other  officer  as  the  collector,  with  the  sanction 
of  this  department,  may  designate;  such  certificate  to  be  cancelled 
as  the  goods  are  withdrawn  irom  store. 

Sec.  31.  When  goods  are  withdrawn  from  warehouses,  in  quan- 
tities less*  than  the  entire  importation,  the  expense  of  weigtiing, 
guaging  or  measuring  must  be  paid  by  the  owner,  importer  or 
agent,  if  it  be  necessary  to  weigh,  guage  or  measure  such  portion, 
in  order  to  ascertain  the  dutiable  value. 

Sec.  32.  No  allowances  are  to  be  made  for  loss  or  damage  on 
merchandise  while  deposited  in  warehouse,  or  while  in  transit,  the 
duties  in  all  cases  to  be  paid  on  amounts  and  quantities  as  ascer- 
tained on  the  arriv-al  and  entry  of  such  merchandise  in  the  United 
States. 

Sec.  33.  Nothing  in  these  instructions  is  to  be  understood  as  al- 
lowing importers  to  store  merchandise  in  part  of  their  own  stores, 
placing  temporary  partitions  therein,  but  the  whole  of  the  build- 
ing, except  in  the  case  of  cellars  for  wines,  &c.,  must  be  used  ex- 
clusively for  the  storage  of  bonded  merchandise,  and  in  case  of 
cellars,  the  whole  of  the  cellar  or  vault  must  be  so  used. 

Sec.  34.  All  monies  received  by  collectors  from  owners  or  occu- 
pants of  private  bonded  stores  in  payment  for  half  storage,  or  for 
the  use  of  an  inspector  in  attendance  at  the  premises,  will  be  ac- 
counted for  as  receipts  for  storage  in  their  accounts  with  this  de- 
partment. 

Sec.  35.  The  storage  charged  on  goods  deposited  in  the  public 
stores  must  be  the  usual  rate  at  that  port.    The  charges  for  labor 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


31 


at  these  stores  must  be  at  the  lowest  rate  that  will  remunerate  the 
government,  and  whenever  the  same  is  practicable  and  can  be  clone 
with  safety  to  the  revenue,  importers  may  be  allowed,  under  the 
proper  supervision,  to  perform  the  necessary  labor  on  their  own 
goods.  Collectors  failing  to  demand  and  receive  the  amounts  due 
for  the  storage  and  labor  accruing  in  public  stores,  or  the  half 
storage,  or  the  pay  of  an  inspector  required  in  private  stores,  will 
be  charged  with  such  sums  in  their  quarterly  accounts  by  the  First 
Comptroller,  whose  attention  h;^s  been  specially  directed  to  these 
instructions. 

Sec.  36.  No  fire  must  be  permitted  in  any  warehouse,  except  in 
the  business  office  attached  thereto;  and  where  lights  are  required 
lanterns  must  be  used,  such  as  are  in  use  in  naval  vessels,  and 
known  as  magazine  lanterns. 

The  collector  will  cause  copies  of  a1i  instructions  from  this  de- 
partment, in  reference  to  the  selection,  management  and  daily  gov- 
ernment of  v/arehouses,  with  such  other  rules  as  he  may  deem  ne- 
cessary to  carry  the  same  into  effect,  to  be  printed  and  placed  in  a 
conspicuous  place  in  each  warehouse. 

R.  J.  WALKER, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


[To  accompariy  entry ^  form  J\^o.  1.] 

Form 'A — No.  . 

Know  all  men  by  these  prese^ifs^  That  we 

are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  the  United  States  of  America  in 
the  sum  of  dollars  to  be  paid  to  the  United  States:  for 

the  payment  whereof  we  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors,  and 
administrators,  jointly  and  severally,  firmly  by  these  presents. 
Sealed  with  our  seals,  dated  this  day  of  in 

the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty- 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  above  bounden 

or  either  of  them,  or  either  their  heirs,  executors,  or  administra- 
tors, shall,  on  or  before  the  expiration  of  one  year,  to  be  computed 
from  the  date  of  the  importation  of  the  goods,  wares,  and  merchan- 
dise hereafter  mentioned,  well  and  truly  pay,  or  cause  to  be  paid, 
unto  the  collector  of  the  customs  for  the  port  of  for  the 

time  being,  the  sum  of  dollars,  or  the  amount  of  duties 

to  be  ascertained  as  due  and  owing  on  goods,  wares,  and  merchan- 
dise, imported  by  in  the  master  from 
consisting  of 

or  shall,  in  the  mode  prescribed  by  law,  on  or  before  the  expiration 
of  the  year  aforesaid,  withdraw  the  said  goods  from  the  public 


32 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


stores  when  they  may  be  deposited  at  the  port  of  ,  then  • 

this  obligation  is  to  be  void,  otherwise  to  remain  in  full  force  and 
Tirtue. 

K-  Sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of  ? 


[To  accompa7iy  entry,  form  J\^o.  3.] 

Form  B — No.  . 

Ii7ioiij  all  men  hy  these  presents,  That  we 

are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  the  United  States  of  America,  in* 
the  sum  of  dollars,  to  be  paid  to  the  United  States,  for 

the  payment  whereof,  w^e  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors,  and 
administrators,  jointly  and  severally,  firmly  by  these  presents, 
sealed  with  our  seals,  dated  this  day  of  in 

the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty- 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  above  bounden. 

or  either  of  them,  or  either  of  their  heirs,  executors,  or  administra- 
tors shall  within  days  f»om  the  date  hereof,  produce 
and  deposite  with  the  collector  of  the  customs  for  the  port  of 
for  the  time  being,  satisfactory  evidence  that  the  mer- 
chandise described  in  an  entry  made  at  the  custom-house, 
by                    for  withdrawal  from  warehouse,  of 

to  be  transported  to,  and  warehoused  at  ,  has  been  de- 

posited in  a  public  warehouse  at  said  port,  according  to  law,  under 
the  custody  of  the  collector  of  said  port,  then  this  obligation  to  be 
void,  otherwise  in  full  force  and  virtue. 
Sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of  ? 

5  [seal.] 
[seal.] 


[To  accompany  entry,  form  wYo.  5.] 
Form  C — No.  . 

Know  all  men  hy  these  presents,  That  we 

are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  the  United  States  of  America,  in 
the  sum  of  dollars,  to  be  paid  to  the  United  States: 

for  the  payment  whereof  we  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors, 
and  administrators,  jointly  and  severally,  firmly  by  these  presents. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


33 


Sealed  with  our  seals,  dated  this  day  of  in  the  year 

of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty- 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  above  boun- 
den 

or  either  of  them,  or  either  of  their  heirs,  executors  or  administra- 
tors, shall,  on  or  before  the  expiration  of  one  year,  to  be  computed 
from  the  day  of  the  9riginal  importation  of  the  goods,  wares  and 
merchandise  enumerated  herein,  well  and  truly  pay,  or  cause  to  be 
paid  unto  the  collector  of  the  customs,  for  the  port  of 
for  the  time  being  dollars,  or  the  amount  of  duty  to 

be  ascertained  as  due,  and  owing  on  goods,  wares  and  merchandise, 
entered  this  day  for  warehousing  by  consisting  of 

or  shall  on  or  before  the  expiration  of  the  year  aforesaid,  in  the 
mode  prescribed  by  law,  withdraw  the  said  goods,  wares  and  mer- 
chandise from  the  warehouse  at  the  port  of 

then  this  obligation  to  be  void,  otherwise  to  remain  in  full  force 
and  virtue. 

Sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of 

[seal.] 
[seal.  I 


[To  accomvany  entry,  form  JVo.  4.] 
Form  D.— No.   . 

$  

Know  all  n\en  by  these  presents,  That  we 

are  held  and  firmly  bou^nd  unto  the  United  States  of  America  in 
the  sum  of  dollars  to  be  paid  to  the  United  States:  for 

the  payment  whereof  we  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors  and 
administrators,  jointly  and  severally,  firmly  by  these  presents. 

Sealed  with  our  seals,  dated  this  day  of 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty- 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such.  That  i:  the  merchandise, 
consisting  of 
entered  this  day  by 

to  be  exported  in  the  ship  ,  master,  for 

or  any  part  thereof,  be  not  relanded  at  any  port  or  place  within  the 
limits  of  the  United  States,  and  if  certificates  and  other  proofs  sim- 
ilar to  those  which  are  required  by  law  in  cases  w^here  goods  have 
been  exported  for  benefit  of  drawback  of  the  delivery  of  the  same 
at  the  port  of  ,  or  any  other  port  or  place  without  the 

limits  of  the  United  States  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  produced  to  the 
collector  of  the  customs  for  the  port  of  ,  for  the  time 

being,  within  year    from  the  date  hereof,  then  this 

obligation  to  be  void,  otherwise  to  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 
Sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of 

fSEAL.l 
SEAL.] 

3 


34 


Ex:  Doc.  No.  .57. 


[To  accompany  entry ^  form  JVo.  9.] 

Form  E.—  No.   . 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we, 

are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  the  United  States  of  America,  in 
the  sum  of  dollars,  to  be  paid  to  the  United 

States;  for  the  payment  whereof  we  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs, 
ecutors  and  administrators,  jointly  and  severally,  firmly  by  these 
presents.    Sealed  with  our  seals,  dated  tnis  day  of 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty- 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  above 
boanden 

or  either  of  them,  or  either  of  their  heirs,  executors  or  administra- 
tors, shall  within  days  from  the  date  hereof  pro- 
duce and  deposite  with  the  collector  of  the  customs  for  the  port  of 
for  the  time  being,  satisfactory  evidence  that  the 
merchandise  described  in  an  entry  made  at  the  custom  house, 

,  by  ,  for  withdrawal  from  warehouse  of 

to  be  transported  to  and  warehoused  at  for  expor- 

tation to  in  Canada,  has  been  deposited  in  a  public 

warehouse  at  said  port,  and  exported  to  in  Canada, 

not  to  be  re-landed  at  any  port  or  place  within  the  limits  of  the 
United  States;  and  if  certificates  and  other  proof  similar  to  those 
which  are  required  by  law,  in  cases  where  goods  have  been  export- 
ed for  benefit  of  drawback,  of  the  delivery  of  the  sama  at  the  port 
of  in  Canada,  shall  be  produced  to  the  collector 

of  the  customs  for  the  port  of  •   for  the  time  being, 

within  days  from  the  date  hereof,  then  this  obli- 

gation to  be  void,  otherwise  to  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 
Sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of  | 

[seal.] 

•  [seal. J 


[To  accompany  entry ^  form  JYo.  10.] 

Form  F.— No.   . 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we 

are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  the  United  States  of  America,  in 
the  sum  of  dollars,  to  be  paid  to  the  United 

States;  for  the  payment  whereof  we  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  ex- 
ecutors and  administrators,  jointly  and  severally,  firmly  by  these 
presents.    Sealed  with  our  seals,  dated  this  day  of 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty- 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  above 
bounden 

or  either  of  them,  or  either  of  their  heirs,  executors  or  administra- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


35 


torsj  shall  within  days  from  the  date  hereof,  pro- 

duce and  deposite  with  the  collector  of  the  customs  for  the  port  of 
for  the  time  being,  satisfactory  evidence  that 
the  merchandise  imported  by  in  tEe 

master,  from  consisting  of 

described  in  an  entry  made  at  the  custom-house,  by 

for  warehouse  and  transportation  in  bond  to 
has  been  deposited  in  a  public  warehouse  at  said  port  acc(^rding  to 
law,  under  the  custody  of  the  collector  of  said  port,  then  this  obli- 
gation to  be  void,  otherwise  in  full  force  and  virtue. 

Sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of  )  [seal.] 

)  [seal.] 


[To  accompany  entry ^  form  JVo.  10.] 

Form  G. — No.   . 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we, 

are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  the  United  States  of  America,  in 
the  sum  of  dollars,  for  the  payment  of  which,  well 

and  truly  to  be  made,  we  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors  and 
administrators,  jointly  and  severally  by  these  presents. 

Witness  our  hands  and  seals,  this  day  of 

one  thousand  eight  hundied  and  forty- 

Whereas,  has  this  day  made  entry  of 

certain  goods,  wares  and  merchandise,  imported  in  the 

or  vessel  called  the  master, 
from  .    And  whereas  the  collector  of  the  port  of 

has  designated  the  package  marked 

out  of  the  invoice  of  said  goods,  \vares  and  merchandise,  to  be 
opened  and  examined  according  to  law,  and  has  caused  the  same  to 
be  sent  for  that  purpose  to  the  public  store.  And  whereas  the  resi- 
due of  the  said  goods,  wares  and  merchandise,  mentioned  in  said 
entry,  has,  at  the  request  of  the  said 
been  delivered  to 

Now  the  condition  of  the  above  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the 

shall  re-deliver  the  residue  of  the  said  goods 
to  the  order  of  the  collector,  provided  he  shall  require  the  same  at 
any  time  within  ten  days  after  the  package  so  as  aforesaid  sent 
to  the  public  store  shall  have  been  appraised  and  reported  to  the 
collector;  and  also,  if  in  the  meantime  the  said  package  ,  all  and 
erery  of  them,  so  delivered  to  the  said 

shall  not  be  opened  without  the  consent  of  the  collector 
or  surveyor,  given  in  writing,  and  then  in  the  presence  of  one  of 
the  inspectors  of  the  customs,  then  this  obligation  to  be  void,  other- 
wise to  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 

Sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of  ?  [seal.] 

5  i  =  EM,.! 


36 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


ft 


I 

pq 

o 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


37 


o 


O 


be  > 

3  O 
<1  ^ 


0) 
«2 


l» 
o 

o 

CO 


^  00  t>"  o 

t--.  m  o 

1-1  CN  kO 


>o  (N  03  cn 

to  i--  <N  O) 

r>»  o  oj 


•  —  O  <N  to 
CO  (N  iO  to 
<N  05  CO  to 


00  oo  as  o 
vn  »-i  cN 


38 

Dr. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

[  FORM  I.  ] 
GIN  WAREHOUSED. 


Date. 


Manifest. 


Vessel. 


Port. 


Importer. 


1847. 
Oct.  1 
Nov.  1 


2329 


Balance  brought 
Bark  Olga  


forward  from  3d 
Rotterdam  , 


quarter  

Atkinson,  Rollins,  8c  Co 

Homer  &  Sprague  

R.  N.  Berry  


1848. 
January  1 


RECAPITULATION- 


Transported. 
Exported.. 
Consumption 
Balance  . .. . 


Balance  brought 


forward  from  4tb 


3 

385 

174 

78 

8 

1026 

469 

97 

87 

11202 

5525 

36 

81 

10432 

5270 

83 

179 

23045 

11440 

94 

quarter,  184' 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  39 

[  FORM  I.  ] 

GIN  WAREHOUSED.  Dr. 


Value. 

Pipes. 

Gallons. 

Currency. 

Dollars . 

Cts. 

119 
30 
20 
10 

• 

15325 
3841 
2574 
1305 

7356 
2136 
1275 
672 

1 
i 

59 
51 
66 
18 

i 

I 

179 

23045 

11440 

i  94 

1- 

81 

1 

10432 

0 

5270 

1 

85 

i 

1 

40  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

[FORM  I.  ]— Continued. 

Cr.       withdrawn  for  transportation. 


1765  Stanwood  &  Reed 


Importer. 


385 


174  78 


District. 


17478 


385 


17^  78 


174  78 


Philadelphia. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

[  FORM  I.  ]— Continued. 

WITHDRAWN  FOR  EXPORTATION. 


41 


Date. 


Not.  15 
24 
27 


J765 


Importer. 


Reed,Wade&Co. 
Stanwood  &  Reed 


PRO  FORMA. 


254 
257 
515 


1026 


Value. 


Curren'} 


o 


U640 
117  JO 
23587 


469 


97 


Landing  port. 


Sisal,  Yucatan^ 
Tampico. 
Sandwich  Islands. 


42 

Cr. — Continued.] 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

[  FORM  I.  ]— Continued. 

WITHDRAWN  FOR  CON- 


Date. 


Manifest. 


Oct.  1 
4 
5 
6 
7 
16 
18 
20 
21 
23 
26 
27 
28 
30 
1 

10 
15 
11 
12 
10 
14 
24 
28 
31 


Vessel. 


1765 

(C 

1153 

u 

1765 

(( 

C( 

1153 
1765 


1153 
1765 

2329 
1765 


2329 
1765 
2329 


Port. 


Bark  Libra  I  Rotterdam 

Brinr 


Bark 


Brig 
Bark 


Brig 
Bark 


Chatham . . 
Libra  


Chatham . 
Libra. . . . 


Amsterdam 
(( 

Rotterdam  . 

S( 
IC 

Amsterdam 
Rotterdam  . 


Chatham 
Libra. . . 


Olga.. 
Libra. 


Olga.. 
Libra. 
Olga.. 


Amsterdam 
Rotterdam. 


Importer. 


Reed,  Wade,  8c  Co  

Atkinson,  Rollins,  8c  Co 

Smith  &  Lougee  

Stanwood  &  Reed  

Atkinson.  Rollins,  &  Co 

Stanwood  8c  Reed  ^ 

Atkinson,  Rollins,  8c  Co 

Stanwood  8c  Reed  

Atkinson,  Rollins,  &.  Co 

Stanwood  8c  Reed  

Reed,  Wade,  8c  Co  

Homer  8c  Sprague  

Stanwood  8c  Reed  

Reed,  Wade,  8c  Co  

c:  <c 

Atkinson,  Rollins,  8c  Co 

Stanwood  8c  Reed  

R.  N.  Berry  

Atkinson,  Rollins,  8c  Co 
R.N.  Berry  


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


43 


[  FORM  I.  ]— Continued. 

SUMPTION.— DUTY  100. 


Pipes. 


Gallons. 


126 
641 
125 
877 
256 
127 
128 
129 
126 
3262 
900 
519 
128 
383 
645 
258 
388 
641 
125 
130 
123 
650 
386 
129 


Value. 


58 
297 
74 
520 
121 
58 
58 
76 
57 
1539 
412 
306 
58 
177 
320 
119 
179 
297 
58 
72 
42 
335 
216 
65 


Impost. 


40 
60 
40 
80 
08 
00 
80 
80 
60 
60 
20 
84 
62 
60 
00 
76 
79 
60 
00 
80 
67 
20 
00 
20 


40 
60 
40 
80 


87 


11202 


552» 


36 


44 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Form  K.— No.— . 


Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  That  we 

are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  th^  United  States  of  America  in  the 
^^'^  dollars,  for  the  payment  of  which,  well  and  truly 

to  be  made,  we  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors  and  adminis- 
trators, jointly  and  severally,  by  these  presents,  by  us  subscribed, 
and  sealed  with  our  seals,  this  day  of  one  thousand 

eight  hundred  and 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  That  if  the  above  boundeh 

.  or  either  of  them,  or  either  of  their  heirs,  executors, 

administrators  or  assigns,  shall  indemnify  the  government  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  the  collector  of  the  port  of 
and  any  other  officer  or  officers  of  the  customs,  of  the  said  port, 
against  any  claim  upon  said  government,  collector  or  other  officer^ 
or  officers,  for  the  loss  of,  or  for  any  decay,  waste  or  damage,  that 
may  happen  to  any  goods,  wares  or  merchandise,  that  now  are,  or 
hereafter  may  be  stored,  under  the  warehouse  act  of  August  6, 
1846,  and  treasury  instructions  under  said  act,  in  the  store  or  pre- 
mises known  as  street,  natural  decay  or  unavoidable  waste 
or  damage,  and  loss  or  damage,  by  fire  alone  excepted,  then  this : 
obligation  to  be  void,  otherwise  to  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. I 

Sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of 


[seal 
I  seal, 
[seal 


:1 


Form  M. 
A. 


Ale  and  porter 

Antimony 

Annatto 

Ashes,  pot  and  pearl 
Anchors 

B. 

Balsams 
Barilla 
Baskets 
•  "Beads 

Beans,  Vanilla  and  Tongua 
Beeswax 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Bleaching  powder 

Brass,  manufactures  of 

Brushes 

Buckles 

Buttons 

Burlaps,  of  flax 
C. 

Camphor,  crude 

refined  , 
Clothing,  ready  made 
Coal 
Cocoa 
Corks 

Cottons,  white  and  colored 
Cotton  cords,  laces,  gimps,  &c 
Cotton  shawls  and  handkerchiefs 
Cotton  and  worsted  shawls 
Cotton  and  worsted  goods 
Cotton  and  linen  goods 
Cotton  and  woollen  goods 
Cotton  velvets 
Cotton  and  Merino  hosiery 
Cotton  hosiery 

Cotton  twist,  yarn  and  thread 
Chemical  preparations 
Cochineal 

D. 

Drugs 
Dye  stuffs 

Dye  woods,  logwood,  &e,- 
extract  of  logwood 

E. 

Earthenware 

Eoiery 

Engravings 

F. 

Fans 

Fish,  dried  or  smoked 
codfish,  pickled 
salmon,  do 

mackerel,  herrings,  and  other 
Fire-arms,  fowling  pieces  and  pistols 
Flax,  unmanufactured 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Flowers,  artificial 
Flour,  of  wheat 
Fruits,  almonds 
•  currants 
raisins 
Furs,  undressed 

G. 

Glass,  cut 
plain 

window  and  bottles 

looking-glass  plates 
Grass  cloth 
Gunny  ba^s  and  cloth 
Gum  Arabic 
Gum  copal 

all  other 

H. 

Hats,  Leghorn,  straw,  chip,  grass,  &c. 
Hair 

Hempa  unmanufactured 
manufacture's  of 
bags  and  bagging 
sail  duck 
Cordage 
twine 

hempen  yarn 
Hides  and  skins,  undressed 
Horns,  unmanufactured 

I. 

Iron,  manufactures  of 
cutlery 
anvils 
wire 

needles  • 
nails 

chain  cabks  and  chains 
sheet  and  hoop  iron 
bar  iron 
railroad  iron 
pig  iron 
Indigo 

India  rubber  shoes 

unmanufactured 
Ivory,  manufactures  of 
unmanufactured 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 
J. 

Jalap 

L. 

Leather 
Leather  gloves 
Lii^ens 
Linen  yarn 
Linseed 

Liquorice,  paste  and  root 
Lac  dye 

M. 

M  agnesia,  calcined 
Metal,  manufactures  of 
Medicinal  preparations 
Molasses 

Mohair,  manufactures  of 
Musical  instruments 

O. 

Oilcloth 
Oil,  linseed 

olive 

essential 
Olives 
Opium 

P. 

Paints,  Paris  green  and  other 
Paper 

Paper  hangings 
Prussiate  of  potash 

Q. 

Quinine,  sulphate  of 
Quicksilver 

R. 

Rhubarb 

S. 

Salts,  Epsom  and  other- 
Salt 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Saltpetre 
Saddlery,  &c. 
Sardines  in  oil 
Scammoijy 
Soda,  asli 

carbonate  of 

Soap 
Seeds 

Silk,  manufactures  of 

Silk  and  cotton  hatters'  plush* 

Silk  umbrellas  and  parasols 

Silk  and  cotton  goods 

Silk  and  worsted  goods 

Silk  shawls 

Silk  and  worsted  shawls 
Silk  sewings 
Silk,  raw 
Spices,  mace 

nutmegs 

cloves 

pepper 

pimento 
Spirits,  brandy 

gin 

rum 

whiskey 
cordials 
Skins,  dressed 

not  dressed 
Straw  plaits 
Steel,  manufactures  of 

cast,  shear  and  German 
all  other 
Sugar,  brown  and  white  clayed 
white  refined 

Segars 

T. 

Tartaric  acid 
Teas, 

Tin,  in  plates  or  sheets 
Tobacco,  unmanufactured 
Toys 

W. 

Watches 

Wines,  of  France 
Spain 
Portugal 

all  other  countries 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Wool,  unmanufactured 
Wool,  manufactures  of 
baize 
blankets 
Woolen  hosiery 

listings 

shawls 

carpeting 
Worsted  stuflf  ^oods 

shawls 

yarn 

binding  and  bags 
Wood,  manufactures  of 
lignumvitae 

mahogany,  cedar  and  grenadillo 
White  lead 

Z. 

Zinc,  in  sheets 

manufactures  of 
Non-enurneratedj  at  each  rate  per  cent. 


50 


Ex.  Doc.  No  57. 


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60  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

[To  accompany  entry ^  form  JYo.  1.] 
Form  12. 

Custom  House, 
Collector's  Office,  1848. 

To  the  inspector  of  the  port: 

You  are  directed  to  send*  to  the  United  States  bonded  ware- 
house No.  street 

[Here  describe  the  merchandise.] 

imported  by  in  the  master,  from 

Collector. 


I  To  accompany  entry ,  form  JVo.  5.  J 
Form  14. 
District  of^ 

I,  do  solemnly,  sincerely,  and  truly  swear,  that  the 

goods  described  in  the  entry,  now  delivered  by  me  to  the  collector 
of  this  district,  are  the  identical  goods  mentioned  in  said  entry,  and 
that  said  goods  are  the  same  in  quality,  quantity,  value  and  pack- 
age, wastage  and  damage  excepted,  as  at  the  time  of  otiginal  im- 
portation: So  help  me  God. 

Sworn  to  this  day  of  184 

before  me 

Collector. 


[To  accompany  entry,  f)rm  J^o.  2.] 

Form  13. 

District  of 

Custom  House,       184  . 

To  the  storekeeper  of  the  port:  ' 

You  vrill  deliver  to 

[Here  describe  the  merchandise.] 

imported  into  this  district  in  the  •  184 

by  in  the 

master  from 

CMector. 

Kaval  Officer. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  61 

[To  accompany  entry j  form  JVo.  5. J 
Form  15. 

Custom  House, 
Collector's  Office,        '  184  . 

To  the  storekeeper  of  the' port: 

You  will  receive  into  store  No.  street  the  fol- 

lowing packages  brought  into  this  district  by  from  the 

port  of 

[Here  describe  the  merchandise.] 

Collector. 

The  person  who  enters  the  goods  is  required  to  send  the  packages  designated  on  this 
permit  to  the  appraiser's  stores  for  examination. 


Storekeeper's  Office. 

Port  of         '     184  . 

I  certify,  that  tke  above  goods  have  been  deposited  in  store  No. 
street 

Storekeeper. 

■  The  storekeeper  not  to  sign  this  certificate  until  the  packages  designated  for  examination 
have  been  transferred  to  the  warehousing  stores. 


I  To  accompany  entry,  form  ^o.  6,] 
Form  16. 

Custom  House, 

184  . 

To  the  storekeeper  of  the  port: 

You  will  deliver  to 

[Here  describe  the  merclandise.] 

brought  into  this  district  on  the  day  of  134 

and  entered  for  warehousing  by 

Cellector. 

Jfaval  Officer. 


62  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

[To  accompany  entry ^  form  JYo.  9.] 
Form  24. 

District  of  Port  of 

Custom  House,  184  . 

To  the  storekeeper  of  the  port: 

You  will  deliver  for  transportation  to  Canada 

[Here  describe  the  merchandise.]  ' 

imported  into  this  district  on  the  184  by 

in  the  whereof  was  master  from 

and  warehoused  according  to  law. 

Collector. 

•  JVaval  Officer. 


Form  17. 

District  of      .  Port  of 

I  hereby  certify  that  the  merchandise  marked  and  numbered  as 
follows  has  been  received  and  re- warehoused  at  this  port. 

[Here  insert  the  goods.] 

Collecfcr, 

Note. — "VVhon  the  dutie.s  are  paid  immediately  on  arrival  at  declined  port;  in^prt  the  words 
'•'the  duties  paid"  in  place  of  "re-\rarehoused." 


Form  22. 

184  . 

Collector  of  the  Port  of 
The  merchandise  marked,  numbered  and  as  follows,  viz: 

[Here  insert  the  goods.] 

having  arrived  at  this  port  by  inland  transportation  in  boiul  to  be 
exported  from  warehouse  to  Canada. 

You  will  please  take  possession  of  the  same  for  exaniinatioh  and 
exportation . 


I 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


63 


[To  accompany  entry,  form  JVo..  9. J 
Form  23. 

District  of  Port  of 

I5  .      solemnly,  sincerely  and  truly  swear  that  the 

gooclsj  wares  and  merchandise  described  in  the  within  entry  now 
delivered  by  me  to  the  collector  of  the  customs  for  the  port  of 

are  truly  intended  to  be  transported  in  bond  by  me  to 
the  port  of  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  ware- 

house act,  and  from  thence  are  to  be  exported  by  me  or  my  agent 
to  the  port  of  in  Canada,  without  the  limits  of  the 

United  States,  and  are  not  intended  to  be  relanded  within  the  limits 
of  the  United  States.  I  further  swear  that,  to  the  best  of  my  know- 
ledge and  belief,  the  said  goods,  wares  and  merchandise  are  the 
same  in  quality,  quantity,  value  and  package,  wastage  and  damage 
excepted,  as  at  the  time  of  importation:  So  help  me  God. 

Sworn  to  this  day 

of  before  me 

Collector. 


[To  accompany  entry,  form  JYo.  4. J 
Form  18. 

District  of 

I,  do  solemnly,  sincerely  and  truly  swear,  that 

tVe  goods,  wares  and  merchandise  described  in  the  within  entry, 
now  delivered  by  me  to  the  collector  of  the  customs  for  the  port  of 
are  truly  intended  to  be  exported  by  me  to  the  port  of 
without  the  limits  of  the  United  States,  are  not  intended 
to  be  relanded  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States.    I  further 
*    swear  that,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief,  the  said  goods, 
wares  and  merchandise  are  the  same  in  quality,  quantity ,  value  and 
package,  wastage  and  damage  excepted,  as  at  the  time  of  importa- 
tion: So  help  me  God. 

Sworn  to  this  day  cf 

184    ,  before  me 


Collect^or. 


■G4  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  K 

\To  accompany  entry ^  form  JVo.  4.] 

Form  19. 

District  of 

Custom  HousCy  184  . 

To  t:'tc  storekeeper  of  the  port: 

You  wil]  deliver  to  the  surveyor  of  the  port  for  exportation 

[Here  describe  the  Dierchandise.  J 

.  imponed  into  this  district  on  the  184  by 

in  the  master,  frorii 

Collector. 

J^aval  Officer. 


I  To  accompany  entry ^  form  JS^o.  4.] 
Form  20. 

Custom  House, 

184  . 

To  the  surveyor  of  the  port: 

You  will  direct  an  inspector  to  examine  the  goods  described  ia 
entry,  and,  if  found  to  agree  exactly  therewith,  to 
superintend  the  lading  tnereof  on  board  for 

of  which,  when  completed,  he  will  grant  a 

certificate. 

Collector. 

Kaval  Officer. 


\To  acompany  entry ^  form  JVo.  4.] 
Form  21. 

Port  of 

184  . 

I,  have  examined  the  goods  described  in  the  within 

entry,  and.  finding  the.n  to  agree  therewith,  they  w^ere  laden  under 
my  supervision  on  board  master,  for 

^  Inspector^ 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


65 


Form  L. 

United  States  Warehouses, 
Port  of 

I  hereby  certify  that  the  following  goods,  marked  and  aumbered 
as  per  mare:in,  entered  for  warehousing  by 

have  been  deposited  in  store  No.  street,  under 

the  provisions  of  the  warehouse  act,  dated  August  6,  1846. 


I 


MARKS  AND  NOS. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  GOODS. 

• 

Collector's  Office, 

Custom  HousCj  184  . 


Form  25. 

To 

Collector  of 

Sir:  I  reqnest  that  the  merchandise  now  entered  by  me  to  be 
warehoused  as  described  in  the  within  entry,  per 

from  may  be  deposited  in  store  No. 

street,  and  I  do  hereby  constitute  and  appoint  as 
my  agent,  for  me,  and  in  my  name,  to  have  the  joint  custody  of 
such  goods,  and  possession  of  the  key  to  said  premises  allowed  to 
the  importer,  under  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  August  6th,  1846, 
and  the  regulations  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  made  in  pur- 
suance thereof. 

[To  be  signed  by  importer.] 

Note. — This  request  of  the  importer  must  in  all  cases  be  written  on  the  warehouse  entry 
itself,  and  not  on  a  different  paper  and  attached  thereto. 

5 


66 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


B. 

REPORT  OF  COMMISSION  TO  EXAMINE  INTO  THE  OPERATION  OF  THE 

DEBENTURE  LAWS. 

Washington,  March  3,  1848. 

Sir:  The  undersigned,  in  compliance  with  your  suggestion,  pro- 
ceed to  lay  before  you  the  great  facilities  now  existing  for  fraudj 
under  our  debenture  laws,  and  also  to  specify  in  detail  how  they 
may  most  easily  be  effected.  The  requirements  prescribed  in  the 
acts  as  to  proofs  of  identity,  with  original  importations  of  goods 
to  be  exported,  are,  from  their  very  nature,  in  a  port  oi  large  busi- 
ness like  the  principal  ports  in  the  United  States,  almost,  if  not 
entirely  impossible  of  execution.  The  law  requires  that  when  a 
person  intends  to  export  goods  for  benefit  of  drawback,  he  shall 
make  entry  thereof  before  the  collector,  who,  when  the  party  has 
made  oath,  designates  some  part  of  the  goods  so  to  be  exported 
to  be  examined  by  the  appraisers,  on  whose  report,  and  on  bond 
being  taken  to  land  the  goods  in  a  foreio;n  country,  are  allowed 
to  be  sent  on  board  a  vessel  in  custody  of  an  officer.  On  the  sail- 
ing of  which,  a  debenture  certificate  issues,  payable  in  ninety  days. 
The  presentation  of  a  certificate  from  the  port  of  d<  stination  veri- 
fied before  the  American  consul,  of  the  goods  being  so  landed,, 
cancels  the  bond. 

The  following,  the  result  of  of  diligent  inquiry  in  the  matter, 
will  give  some  idea  of  how  frauds  may  be  committed. 

1st.  From  the  improvement  in  American  manufactures,  and  the 
imitation  by  our  manufacturers  of  the  foreign  article,  the  American 
article  may  with  great  ease  be  substituted  for  the  foreign,  and 
with  but  little  risk  of  detection.  If  the  original  packages  cannot 
be  procured,  others  can  be  made  to  imitate  them,  and  packed  with 
the  American  fabric,  or  with  a  different  foreign  fabric  from  the 
original  contents.  The  only  guide  the  appraiser  has,  is  an  invoice 
passed,  it  may  be,  nearly  three  years  before,  of  certain  goods, 
costing  a  certain  price;  the  goods  presented  to  hinj  answer  the 
description,  the  packages  correspond  with  marks  and  numbers,, 
and  the  exporter  swears  to  the  identity;  he  sees  nothing  to  impair 
this  evidence,  and  therefore  passes  them.  It  will  be  seen  at  once 
the  utter  imposibility  of  detecting  frauds  in  such  cases,  and  when 
it  is  considered  that  even  the  best  judges  are  at  loss  to  distinguish 
foreign  from  domestic  fabrics,  as  regards  many  descriptions  of 
cotton  goods,  woollens,  segars,  sheet-iron,  and  a  great  variety  of 
other  articles,  and  that  an  appraiser  is  called  upon  to  examine 
goods  which  persons,  claiming  to  be  of  high  standing,  swear  to  be 
of  foreign  manufacture,  he  is  almost  constraiiaed  to  believe  them. 
Experience  at  the  different  custom-houses  shews  the  daily  attempts 
to  commit  frauds  on  the  revenue  through  importations,  notwith- 
standing the  vigilance  used.  It  is  but  reasonable,  therefore,  to 
suppose,  that  with  an  opening  like  this,  known  to  every  one  in 
trade,  that  many  attemps  must  have  been  made,  and  the  perfect 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


67 


ease  and  facility  of  committing  such  frauds  is  evidenced  by  the 
fact  that  few,  if  any,  atempts  have  yet  been  detected. 

2d.  The  drawback  law,  extending  over  a  period  of  three  years, 
and  goods  being  permitted  to  be  shipped  from  one  port  to  another 
to  enjoy  its  benefits,  it  follows  that  even  the  check  which  might 
exist  in  the  memory  of  an  appraiser  is  lost.  The  death  of  the 
appraiser  who  originally  examined  the  importation,  or  change  of 
the  officer  from  other  cause,  entirely  prevents  the  effect  of  sueh 
check;  besides,  a  person  attempting  to  commit  fraud  will  get  another 
appraiser,  or  an  assistant  appraiser,  to  make  the  required  examina- 
tion. Even  should  the  original  appraiser  re-examine  them,  from  the 
multiplicity  of  business  it  is  almost  impossible  that  he  should  retain 
a  recollection  of  any  particular  lot  of  goods,  and  even  if  he  had 
doubts,  he  can  bring  nothing  but  mere  suspicion  against  the  positive 
oath  of  the  exporter,  who  by  the  very  magnitude  of  the  charge  is 
thus  protected  in  his  fraud. 

3d.  After  the  goods  have  passed  the  appraiser,  they  are  placed  on 
board  a  vessel  by  an  officer,  who  there  leaves  them;  the  vessel  is 
then  placed,  in  most  port?;,  in  charge  of  a  district  officer,  who  has 
sometimes  forty  or  fifty  vessels  in  his  district.  From  the  constant 
passing  and  repassing  of  goods  on  our  wharves  and  piers,  the  mer- 
chandise might  even  be  landed  at  mid- day,  but  at  night  the  landing 
in  boats  from  the  wharf,  or  when  the  vessel  is  anchored  in  a  river, 
is  perfectly  practicable,  and  no  doubt  often  done. 

4th.  As  before  remarked,  twenty  days  after  date  of  the  vessel's 
sailing,  the  drawback  is  paid  to  the  claimant;  the  only  hold  the 
government  then  has  is  a  bond  to  land  the  goods  in  a  foreign  coun- 
try. This  requires  a  certificate  of  landing  to  cancel.  The  experi- 
ence of  every  merchant  will  prove  the  utter  worthlessness  of  this, 
as  a  means  of  safety.  Certificates  can  be  obtained  of  any  descrip- 
tion at  most  foreign  ports  for  a  small  bribe.  The  parties  appear 
before  the  consul  and  verily  the  certificate.  He  has  no  means  of 
knowing  whether  the  transaction  be  an  honest  or  dishonest  one. 

Government  has  wisely  provided  that  wines  and  distilled  spirits 
entitled  to  drawback  should  be  kept,  while  in  the  country,  in  the 
custom-house  stores.  The  liability  to  alteration  of  contents,  and 
the  cilmost  impossibility  of  detection,  in  their  wisdom  requiring  it. 
The  same  rule  applies  with  equal  force  to  other  articles;  the  same 
difficulty  of  detection  applies  to  all  cases  where  American  fabrics 
have  entered  into  competition  with  foreign.  The  warehouse  act, 
giving  great  facilities  to  importers,  removes  the  only  objection  that 
could  be  made  against  extending  the  rule,  now  applied  to  wines 
and  distilled  spirits,  to  all  other  articles.  Every  facility  exists  for 
the  sale  of  merchandise  in  warehouse,  and  no  importer  could  justly 
complain  of  being  compelled  to  keep  goods  there  intended  to  be 
exported,  he  having  the  same  command  of  markets  in  warehouse 
as  in  his  own  store.  .No  complaint  has  been  made  of  any  injury 
inflicted  on  the  importers  of  wines  and  distilled  spirits  by  their 
being  compelled  to  adopt  this  course;  no  obstacles  exist  to  their 
effecting  sales,  ami  no  greater  expense  is  "'nrnrrfd,  nor  would  any 
injury  be  done  by  the  extension  «r  tli,-        .     Fi\j»r  i    ;ice  has  pro- 


68 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


ved  the  wisdom  of  the  practice  in  the  instance  of  wines  and  spirits, 
by  its  putting  a  stop  to  the  great  frauds  which  led  to  its  adoption, 
and  it  is  confidently  believed  by  us,  that  like  results  would  follow 
its  extension;  besides  relieving  the  government  of  an  expense  of 
$30  to  $40,000  per  annum,  which  the  execution  of  the  present  laws 
require. 

In  the  opinion  of  the  undersigned,  the  principal  means  of  com- 
mitting fr^Luds  are  in  the  first  class  named;  these  would  be  certainly 
removed  by  keeping  the  goods  in  warehouse.  The  landing  after 
shipment  can  be  prevented  by  regulations,  the  other  cannot.  Like- 
wise the  shipment  of  goods  from  the  country,  and  the  validity  of 
the  certificate  from  a  foreign  port  becomes  a  secondary  considera- 
tion. 

The  following  statement  shows  the  amount  of  draw^back  on  for- 
eign goods  exported,  and  bounties  paid  from  1840  to  1847,  inclu- 
sive. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  ser- 
vants, 

CHARLES  C.  WALDEN. 
JAMES  W.  BREEDLOVE. 

Hon.  R.  J.  Walker, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


!  Remarks. 

■ 

Year  endmg  3 1st  December. 

do.  do. 

do.  do. 
Six  months,  to  30th  June,  1843. 
Year  ending  30th  June. 

do.  do. 

do.  do. 

do.  do. 

tity  on 
ed  fish. 

ooo>coc5oo 

•  Boui 

!  pickJ. 

ty  on 
spirits. 

e«o  Tj*  cc  05  <N  o  ^^  00 

Boun 
refined 

<x>o  —  c^«o-H»^sy5 

(N       CO       CN  (N  ^ 

Bounty  on 
refined  sugar. 

$523,263  45 
632,396  42 
89,447  39 
8,426  04 
71,851  80 
74,371  81 
164,345  02 
56,836  34 

Debentures  on 
foreign  goods. 

CCOPO-^rfCCMoO 

00rf'-'?^<NvOfCiO 
cooocNTjTr-oo— ^ 

«    „    „  ^  «  ^ 

Year. 

oooo<yaoooooooao 

70 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


c. 

Report  of  the  committee  on  loharves,  of  the  board  of  aldermen  of 
the  city  of  JYew  York^  relative  to  the  erection  of  a  great  pier  in 
the  JVorth  river ^  mode  December  7, 1836. 

.The  committee  on  wharves,  slips,  and  piers,  to  whom  was  referred 
so  much  of  the  message  of  his  honor  the  mayor,  of  June  13,  1836, 
as  relates  to  wharves,  &c.,  also  the  message  of  the  same  officer, 
communicating  the  proceedings  of  the  citizens  at  a  meeting  held  at 
the  city  hall,  on  the  5th  day  of  May,  1836,  for  considering  the 
proposition  to  construct  a  great  pier  and  basin  in  the  North  river, 
and  which  committee  were  also  requested  to  obtain  surveys,  &c., 
of  certain  portions  of  the  North  river,  respectfully  report: 

That  they  entered  upon  the  duties  assigned  to  them,  and  have  de- 
liberately and  impartially  pursued  their  investigations,  endeavor- 
ing, at  all  times,  to  regard  most  scrupulously  the  rights  of  all  tiie 
citizens,  and  the  requirements  of  this  city,  as  well  as  to  consult 
and  to  act  for  the  present  and  future  interests  of  all.  The  re- 
searches and  examinations  of  the  committee  have  been  the  more 
extended,  and  their  statements  the  more  particular,  from  a  convic- 
tion that  upon  the  action  of  the  common  council  depend  much  of 
the  growth,  future  grandeur,  and  prosperity  of  this  commercial 
metropolis. 

It  is  well  observed  by  the  mayor  in  his  message  of  July  18, 
1836,  That  the  importance  of  the  commerce  of  the  city  of  New 
York  is  universally  admitted,  and  any  measure  to  give  increased 
facilities  to  shipping,  should  have  due  consideration.'^  The  sub- 
ject of  suitable  berths,  and  other  conveniences  for  vessels,  has  for 
many  years  received  the  anxious  attention  of  many  of  our  most 
useful  citizens,  as  well  as  the  serious  deliberation  of  the  city  coun- 
cils. But  no  definite  acceptable  propositions  have  been  heretofore 
submitted  for  adoption;  no  plan  suggesteu  nor  proceedings  had, 
whose  object  was  to  change  the  practice  to  this  day,  and  at  present 
pursued,  of  extending  small  short  piers  across  the  currents  from 
the  shore  into  the  bay  and  rivers.  In  1832,  the  growing  deficien- 
cies of  wharf  and  slip  room,  had  become  so  generally  manifest,  that 
serious  wishes  were  entertained  to  extend  and  improve  our  com- 
mercial accommodations;  no  thought  however,  of  any  aid  for  the 
shipping  interest  of  the  North  river  was  therein  contemplated,  as 
will  be  seen  by  the  following  resolution,  adopted  by  the  mayor  and 
common  council  in  Marcti,  1832: 

Resolvedj  That  the  street  commissioner  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized  and  required  to  obtain  information  by  plans,  profiles, 
elevations,  drawings,  and  descriptions  of  coffer  dams,  stone  piers, 
wharves,  &c.,  adapted  to  the  present  situation  of  the  East  river." 

In  pursuance  of  this  resolution,  Benjamin  Wright,  esq.,  then 
street  commissioner,  reported,  that  he  had  opened  a  correspon- 
dence with  gentlemen  in  all  situations  were  he  believed  useful  and 
important  information  might  be  obtained."  But  in  none  of  them 
was  any  suggestion  made  for  substantial  relief  for  those  using  the 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


71 


great  and  valuable  waters  of  the  North  river.  Among  other  things, 
Mr.  Wright  mentions  *'that  of  the  present  piers  or  wharves,  the 
supports  occupy  in  the  whole  extent  rather  more  than  half  the 
water  way,  (say  generally  five-eighths.)  This  occasions  tieposites 
against,  the  solid  blockwork  part  of  the  piers,  mud  accumulates 
and  fills  in  part  the  spaces  left  between  the  blocks,  thus  checking 
the  passage  of  the  current  caused  by  the  flux  and  reflux  of  the 
tide.'^ 

In  his  communication  to  Mr.  Wright,  Mr.  Renwick  states  that 
'^the  very  imperfect  and  faulty  mode  in  which  our  wharves  and 
piers  are  constructed,  excited  my  attention  from  the  moment  I  first 
saw  the  aquatic  structures  of  Europe."  Again — ^'I  cannot  but  be- 
lieve that  in  the  narrower  parts  of  the  East  river,  it  will  be  of  vast 
advantage  to  remove  the  masses  of  stone  that  have  been  thrown  in 
to  form  blocks.  These  have,  in  many  cases,  collapsed  from  the 
destruction  of  their  wooden  enclosures.  They  have  thus  impeded 
the  current  to  such  an  extent  that  great  deposites  have  ensued,  and 
the  basins  between  our  wharves  have  been  filled,  in  many  places,  to 
such  a  degree  that  even  small  vessels  will  hardly  float  where  the 
water  was  formerly  of  great  depth.'*  In  conclusion,  he  remarks, 
^'I  shall  gladly  be  an  humble  instrument  in  endeavoring  to  wipe  off 
the  disgrace  that  now  so  justly  attaches  to  the  citizens  and  public 
authorities  of  New  York,  of  having,  by  every  attempt  that  has  yet 
been  made  in  the  way  of  engineering,  done  injury  to,  and,  in  some 
cases,  almost  wholly  destroyed  the  unrivalled  advantages  of  situa- 
tion that  they  have  derived  from  the  natural  circumstances  of  the 
position  of  our  city."  In  1832  the  common  council  likewise  de- 
clared that  it  was  a  *'factof  great  notoriety  that  piers  and  wharves, 
as  now  constructed  of  timber,  are  temporary,  and  generally  endure 
only  from  fourteen  to  seventeen  years  before  they  are  destroyed 
by  worms."  The  whole  proceedings  of  the  common  council  of 
1832,  and  the  correspondence  consequent  thereon,  related  to  the 
'^formation  of  plans  for  stone  wharves  or  moles,  extending  from 
the  shore  two  or  three  hundred  feet  into  and  crosswise  of  the 
stream;"  in  fact,  nothing  else  than  an  attempt  to  build  and  rebuild 
*'with  stone  the  present  piers  in  the  East  river."  But  finding  the 
"formidable  difficulties  to  be  encountered  in  the  erection  of  such 
stone  wharves,  the  laying  of  heavy  stone  work  under  a  head  of 
from  fifteen  to  thirty  feet  of  water,"  no  attempt  at  improvement 
was  adopted.  Coff*er  dams  and  diving  bells  were  admitted  to  be 
the  only  mode  of  performing  the  work,  and  ^Hhe  expense  and  difli- 
culties  of  building  with  them  under  great  depth  of  water  were  ad- 
mitted to  be  insurmountable  obstacles."  A  plan  of  building  by 
hydraulic  lime  and  stone,  as  practised  by  ancient  nations,  was  sug- 
gested by  Professor  Renwick,  and  several  plans  for  building  wharves 
were  submitted  by  Mr.  W.  Serrell,  a  respectable  civil  engineer  of 
experience.  He  also  proposed  to  continue  the  present  system  of 
extending  wharves  from  the  shore  into  the  rivers,  but  to  use  stone 
instead  oi  wood  in  the  construction  of  them.  And  in  conc-luding 
the  whole,  Mr.  Wright  says,  "I  cannot  close  this  report  without 
expressing  a  strong  desire  which  I  feel  to  see  sjme  project  com- 


72 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


menced,  which  shall  render  the  East  river  more  convenient,  which 
shall  do  away,  eventually,  with  the  wooden  wharves,  and  add  to 
the  preventives  against  sickness,  which  the  mass  of  decaying  tim- 
ber around  our  wharves  and  bulkheads  is  well  prepared  to  gene- 
rate." 

During  the  last  year,  a  resolutidn  was  offered  in  the  board  of  as- 
sistant aldermen,  proposing,  for  the  first  time,  that  the  safety  and 
utility  of  the  harbor  on  the  west  side  of  the  city  should  be  secured 
by  the  erection  of  a  stone  pier,  or  breakwater,  or  mole,  parallel, 
or  nearly  so,  to  the  shore,  and  at  a  sufficient  distance  from  the  pre- 
sent piers  and  slips  to  form  a  large  and  cotnmodious  basin.  This 
was  referred  to  the  committee  on  wharves,  who  reported  that  they 
**have  been  duly  impressed  with  the  very  great  importance  of  this 
subject,  not  only  in  regard  to  the  magnitude  of  the  works  proposed, 
but  also  with  reference  to  the  interests  of  the  city  of  New  York, 
which  your  committee  believe  are  intimately  connected  with  the 
providing  a  sufficient  number  of  wharves  and  slips  to  accommodate 
the  increasing  commerce  of  this  city;  and  they  earnestly  recom- 
mend to  the  common  council  the  propriety  of  speedily  extending, 
and  that  to  a  much  greater  degree  than  has  been  done,  those  ac- 
commodations for  our  shipping." 

The  subject  of  that  great  pier  or  breakwater  is  again  submitted 
to  the  serious  consideration  of  the  common  council,  and  has  been 
referred  to  this  committee.  For  many  months  this  matter  has  at- 
tracted the  almost  universal  attention  of  this  city;  and  on  the  5th 
of  May  last,  at  a  large  and  respectable  meeting  of  merchants  and 
others,  convened  at  the  City  Hall,  it  was,  after  examination  and 
consideration,  unanimously 

Resolvedy  That  the  present  accommodations  for  vessels  in  the 
waters  adjoining  the  city  of  New  York  are  very  insufficient,  and 
that  such  accommodations  are  daily  becoming  less  adequate  to  the 
wants  of  our  commercial  business,  and  that  it  is  our  duty  and  our 
interest,  more  rapidly  than  heretofore,  and  more  extensively,  to 
make  provision  for  the  reception  and  protection  of  our  shipping." 
And  the  same  meeting  further  unanimously  resolved  as  follows: 

That  we  view  with  lively  approbation  the  proposed  construction 
of  a  great  pier  in  the  North  river,  thereby  forming  a  capacious  and 
safe  basin  for  every  description  of  vessels  at  all  seasons  of  the 
year;"  and  the  common  council  were  also  requested  to  consider 
and  determine  whether  the  same  should  be  built  by  the  city  or  by 
a  company  to  be  incorporated  for  that  purpose. 

Piers,  moles,  or  breakwaters,  of  great  extent  and  of  great  cost, 
are  not  new  or  untried  appendages  of  large  naval  or  commercial 
depots.  Evidences  of  this  truth  are  found  amid  the  ruins  of  the 
Piraeus,  as  well  as  along  the  Nile,  the  Indus,  and  the  Ganges. 
They  contributed,  in  no  small  degree,  to  the  wealth  and  power  of 
Syracuse,  of  Carthage,  of  Tyre,  and  of  Alexandria.  The  numerous 
fleets  of  the  mighty  nations  of  former  ages,  could  not  have  existed 
without  their  protection.  And  in  latter  times  they  were  occasion- 
ally provided  by  the  government.  And  at  the  present  day  piers, 
jnoles,  breakwaters,  and  wet  docks  are  a  part  of  the  business  aad 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


73 


policy  of  every  nation  layina:  claim  to  be  ranked  among  those  of 
acknowledged  wisdom  and  prudence.  For  the  greater  safety  and 
convenience,  and  with  a  view  to  the  increase  of  their  commerce, 
the  English  people  have  constructed,  at  an  almost  incredible  ex- 
pense, extensive  and  permanent  stone  docks  and  wharves  at  Lon- 
don, Liverpool,  and  other  British  ports,  and  even  in  British  India. 
At  St.  Petersburgh,  in  Russia,  there  is  one  quay  of  the  granite 
similar  to  that  of  Quincy,  of  four  miles  in  extent  along  the  Neva. 

In  Havre  there  is  but  little  worth  seeing,  save  the  docks,  which 
have,  at  great  expense,  been  made  by  man;  here  is  no  natural  har- 
bor, but  one  is  made,  as  it  were,  in  the  shape  of  a  delta,  in  the 
heart  of  the  city,  from  which  an  artificial  channel  leads  out  into 
the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  an  entrance  to  which,  as  declared  by  a 
very  intelli<:ent  traveller,  is  secured  by  a  long  and  noble  pier.'^ 
And  the  same  declares  that  these  docks  are  a  stupendous  achieve- 
ment of  the  art  of  man.  They  will  contain  several  hundred  ves- 
sels.   The  government  are  about  adding  to  them. 

Genoa,  well  known  as  a  rich  maritime  city  of  Italy,  has  a  semi- 
circular harbor,  the  diameter  being  about  1,000  fathoms.  It  is  arti- 
ficial, being  formed  by  two  gigantic  moles,  having  opposite  direc- 
tions. 

The  bay  of  Gibraltar  is  spacious,  and  being  protected  from  all 
the  mort  dangerous  winds,  affords  a  convenient  station  for  ships; 
and  two  moles  have  been  constructed,  at  a  vast  expense,  for  the 
protection  of  the  shipping.  The  ancient  Tanjis,  now  Tangiers,  op- 
posite to  Gibraltar,  was •  furnished  with  a  pier.  Leghorn  has  an 
outer  harbor,  protected  by  a  fine  mole,  and  a  small  inner  harbor, 
or  basin. 

The  harbor  of  Malaga  is  protected  on  its  eastern  side  by  a  fine 
mole  full  700  yards  in  length. 

The  harbor  of  Naples  is  formed  by  a  mole  built  nearly  in  the 
form  of  the  letter  L.  The  port  of  Odessa,  in  Southern  Russia,  is  arti- 
ficial, being  formed  by  two  moles,  and  calculated  to  contain  about 
300  ships. 

In  Palermo,  a  fine  mole  forms  a  convenient  port;  and  Trieste  is 
protected  by  a  mole. 

Ancient  Syracuse  is  said  to  have  contained  within  its  own  walls, 
what  no  city  ever  did  before  or  since,  fleets  and  armies  that  were 
the  terror  of  the  world.  It  had  two  harbors,  separated  by  an 
island,  and  prepared  by  moles  to  effect  the  above  purpose. 

The  city  of  Rhodes  has  a  fine  harbor  formed  by  a  mole. 

Smyrna,  on  account  of  the  extent  and  convenience  of  its  harbor, 
has  become  the  common  rendezvous  of  merchants  from  the  four 
parts  of  the  world,  and  the  centre  of  their  commerce. 

Ancient  Tyre  was  called  ''strong  in  the  sea;"  and  Alexander  the 
Great  reached  it  and  took  it  only  by  constructing  a  gigantic  mole 
of  stone,  three  quarters  of  a  mile  long,  leading  to  it  from  the  main. 
Th  is  was  actually  built,  for  the  most  part,  in  the  form  and  manner 
that  will  hereafter  be  proposed  for  the  great  pier  of  the  North 
river,  by  placing  a  heap  of  stone  in  the  sea  that  was  200  feet  wide 
on  its  top  or  surface,  clear  of  high  water,  or  rather  of  rough  water, 


74 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


as  there  is  little  or  no  tide  in  the  Mediteranean.  This  was  done 
about  2,200  years  ago;  and  yet  we  are  informed  that  that  mole  or 
pier  remains,  in  most  respects,  as  when  left  by  the  conquering 
legions  of  its  founder. 

The  Piraeus,  near  Athens,  had  th  ree  basins  formed  by  piers. 

At  Alexandria,  the  pride  of  him  who  gave  name  and  greatness 
to  that  city,  a  mole  of  a  mile  in  length,  called  Hepta  Stadium, 
stretched  from  the  continent  to  the  isle  of  Pharos,  and  divided  the 
great  harbor  into  two.  A  dyke,  drawn  from  the  island  to  the  rock 
on  which  Pharos  was  built,  secured  it  from  the  westerly  winds. 

In  Dublin,  the  people  and  government  were  long  since  alive  to 
this  subject.  A  writer  says  that  *<as  the  bay  of  Dublin  was  often 
difficult  of  access,  and  as  the  bar  was  a  great  impediment  to  the 
sailing  of  the  packets  at  a  fixed  hour,  the  direction  of  government 
was  directed  to  the  forming  of  a  harbor  on  the  north  side  of  the 
peninsula  of  Howth,  and  in  1811  a  fine  pier  was  erecting  for  this 
purpose.^'  And  he  says  also,  ^Hhe  river  was  formerly  gieatly  im- 
proved, lor  such  vessels  as  did  not  draw  too  much  water  to  cross 
the  bar,  by  a  prodigious  work  on  the  south  side  of  it,  called  the 
<South  Wall,'"  which  extends  from  the  point  of  Ring's  End  to 
the  light  house,  three  miles.  It  is  formed  of  large  blocks  of  granite, 
strongly  cemented,  and  strengthened  with  iron  cramps. 

In  this  country,  the  providing  of  proper  wharves  or  quays  for 
the  shipping  has  of  late  attracted  much  attention.  Many  years 
since  a  pier  was  built  at  New  Haven,  in  Connecticut,  and  has 
proved  of  essential  benefit  to  that  city.- 

In  Boston,  Massachusetts,  are  several  wharves  that  may  w^ell  be 
ranked  among  the  best  structures  of  this  description  m  the  world. 
The  following  is  a  brief  account  of  them: 

Long  wharf  is  1,752  feet  long,  and  202  feet  wide  at  the  end. 
There  are  75  stores  on  it.    It  was  begun  in  1707. 

Central  wharf  was  begun  in  1817,  is  1,340  feet  long,  and  has  54 
stores  on  it^  and  India  wharf  begun  in  1808,  has  34  stores,  under 
which  are  boxed  cellars,  with  which  all  the  others  are  also  pro- 
vided. Some  idea  of  the  value  of  those  wharves  may  be  obtained 
from  the  annual  valuation  made  by  the  assessors  ©f  Boston,  for  the 
purpose  of  taxation  the  past  year,  viz: 

Long  wharf  corporation  was  assessed  at   $300,000 

.  Central  wharf...  do  do   350,000 

Indian  wharf. ...do  do   200,000 

and  each  was  thus  assessed  exclusive  of  the  stores.  The  stores 
must  be  worth  from  2  to  300,000  doll  ars  more.  These  piers  are 
justly  the  pride  of  that  city,  and  are  a  source  of  profit  to  the  en- 
terprising proprietors.  But  had  they  yielded  to  the  projectors  little 
or  no  income,  still  their  effect  upon  the  growth  and  value  of  the 
city  would  have  been  known  and  admitted. 

In  Albany,  in  1825,  a  pier  was  completed  of  about  4,300  feet  in 
Jength,  80  feet  in  width  on  the  surface;  encloses  a  part  of  the  Hud- 
son river  there, forming  a  basin  in  front  of  the  city,  which  contains 
an  area  of  about  32  acres.   This  pier  and  the  bridges  cost  $119,980. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


75 


The  pier  consists  of  timber  and  earth;  that  is,  two  parallel  docks, 
80  feet  apart,  resting  oil  the  bottom  of  the  river,  and  filled  in  with 
earth  between.  Two  parallel  cribs  were  sunk,  and  connected  by 
cross  ties  to  prevent  spreading.  Previous  to  the  building  of  this 
pier,  it  was  unsafe,  and  indeed  dangerous,  for  any  vessel  to  be  laid 
up  at  Albany  for  the  -winter.  The  moving  of  the  ice  in  the  spring 
was  almost  sure  to  injure  every  thing  in  the  stream. 

The  formation  of  piers  would  seem  to  be  determined  upon  for 
Oswego,  Dunkirk,  Van  Buren  harbor,  and  Michigan  city;  and  it  is 
an  contemplation  to  form  a  harbor  for  Buffalo,  by  extending  a 
breakwater  from  near  the  light-house  towards  Black  Rock. 

Before  proceeding  to  specify  the  arrangements  which  they  in- 
tend to  recommend  for  the  benefit  of  the  city,  the  committee  do  not 
doubt  that  a  rapid  glance  at  the  history  of  New  York  will  be  ac- 
ceptable. As,  in  order  to  judge  best  of  what  we  can  do,  we  do 
well  to  notice  what  has  already  been  done. 

From  various  authorities,  it  appears  that  the  Hudson  river  and 
this  island  were  discovered  in  the  year  1609. 

That,  in  1612,  New  Amsterdam,  now  New  York,  was  founded  by 
the  Dutch;  and  that  as  early  as  1610,  the  Dutch  West  India  Compa- 
ny sent  a  ship  to  Hudson  river  to  trade,  and  that  the  first  emigrants 
devoted  themselves  exclusively  to  traffic.  In  1644,  the  first  City 
Hall  was  erected  on  the  corner  of  Pearl  street  and  Coenties  slip. 

In  1644  the  place  was  taken  by  the  British. 

In  1673  it  was  retaken  by  the  Dutch,  and  during  this  year  the 
•first  post-rider  commenced  his  trips  to  and  from  Boston  once  in 
three  weeks. 

In  1674  the  British  retook  this  place. 

Until  1676,  the  ferry  boats  came  up  Broad  street  to  Garden 
street,  now  Exchange  place. 

In  1688,  the  assessors  valued  the  whole  property  of  the  city  at 
•$350,000 

In  1699,  the  population  of  the  city  was  6.000. 
In  1774,  it  was  22,750. 

In  1783,  the  population  was  25,000;  in  1790,  it  amounted  to 
33,131;  in  1800,  to  60,489;  in  1810,  to  96,373;  in  1820,  to  123,706; 
in  1830,  to  213,000;  and  in  1836,  to  about  300,000 

By  reference  to  Bradford's  map  of  the  year  1728,  it  appears 
there  were  ship  yards  at  the  foot  of  Whitehal  1  street.  At  that  day 
many  accommodations  were  provided  for  shipping  in  the  East 
river,  but  none  in  the  North  river,  except  at  the  foot  of  Thames 
and  Cortlandt  streets;  and  no  street  but  Lumber  street  running 
north  and  south  and  west  of  Broadway  had  then  been  laid  out,  and 
Frankfort  and  Liberty  streets  were  the  two  most  northerly  streets. 

By  reference  to  Duyckinck's  map  of  1755,  it  is  seen  that  there 
W£iS  no  increase  of  places  or  berths  for  vessels  on  the  North  river. 
In  1732,  the  first  stage  began  to  run  between  New  York  and  Bos- 
ton, and  was  fourteen  days  on  the  journey. 

On  the  21st  of  September,  1776,  492  houses,  being  one-eighth 
part  of  the  city,  w^ere  burned. 

December  18,  1804,  a  great  fire  destroyed  forty  stores  and  dwel- 


76 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


ling  houses  on  Wall,  Front  and  Water  streets,  and  property  to  one 
or  two  millions  of  dollars. 

In  1811  there,  was  a  great  fire  in  Chatham  street,  and  in  1835,  on 
the  16th  of  December,  the  great  fire— los's  twenty  millions  dollars. 
In  1791,  the  exports  from  New  York  to  foreign  ports  amounted  to' 
$2,505,465.  * 

A  talented  English  author  declares  that  in  1832,  the  value  of 
the  merchandise  laded  and  unladed  in  this  port  is  estimated  at 
$100,000,000  to  $120,000,000;  and  that  in  that  year  the  number  of 
vessels  in  this  port,  in  the  busy  season  of  the  year,  varied  from  500 
to  750,  exclusive  of  fifty  steam  packets;  that  the  number  of  arri- 
vals from  foreign  ports  amounted,  in  1832,  to  1,808,  and  the  coast- 
ing arrivals  were  then  between  4,000  and  5,000;  arid  that  the  total 
value  of  the  imports  into  the  United  States  in  the  year  ending  30th 
September,  1832,  was  $101,029,266,  of  which  no  less  than  $53,214,- 
402,  or  more  than  one-half  of  the  whole,  were  imported  into  New 
York. 

The  same  author  remarks,  that  the  customs  revenue  on  the  goods 
paying  duties  imported  into  this  city  amounted,  in  1832,  to  $13,- 
000,000,  while  the  total  customs  revenue  of  the  United  Slates  sel- 
dom exceeded  $22,000,000;  that  the  value  of  the  exports  from  New 
York,  for  the  year  ending  30th  of  September,  1832,  amounted  to 
$26,000,945,  being  between  one-third  and  one-fourth  part  of  the 
total  exports  from  the  United  States  for  that  year;  that  the  tonnage 
of  New  York  was  then  greater  than  that  of  Liverpool,  or  any  other 
city,  with  the  exception  of  London;  that  the  registered  tonnage 
belonging  to  this  port,  on  the  last  day  of  December,  1831,  amount- 
ed to  122,458  tons,  and  the  enroll^?d  and  licensed  tonnage  to 
163,980  tons,  making  a  grand  total  of  286,438  tons,  being  between 
one-fifih  and  one-sixth  of  the  whole  tonnage  of  the  United  States! 

On  referring  to  the  report  made  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 
of  the  United  States  during  the  last  session  of  Congress,  it  will  be 
seen  that  in  1834  the  total  registered,  enrolled,  and  licensed  ton- 
nage of  the  United  States  amounted  to  1,758,907  14  95  tons;  that 
the  registered  tonnage  of  New  York  was  178,022,  and  the  enrolled 
and  licensed  tonnage  181, 199— total  tonnage  of  New  York  359,222, 
or  more  than  one-fifth  of  the  whole  tonnage  of  the  United  States. 
And  by  the  same  able  report  it  will  be  seen  that  the  total  value  of 
the  imports  into  the  United  States  during  the  year,  (ending  30th 
September  last,)  amounted  in  value  to  $149,895,742,  of  which  there 
were  imported  in  American  vessels  $135,288,869,  and  in  foreign 
vessels  $14,606,877.  The  exports  during  the  same  year  amounted 
to  $121,693,577,  of  which  $101,189,032  were  of  domestic,  and 
$20,504,495  of  foreign  articles.  Of  the  domestic  articles  $79,022,- 
746  were  exported  in  American  vessels,  and  $22,166,336  in  foreign 
vessels.  Of  the  foreign  articles  $15,112,445  were  exported  in 
American  vessels,  and  $5,392,050  in  foreign  vessels.  Of  American 
shipping,  1,352,653  tons  entered,  and  1,400,517  cleared  from  the 
ports  of  the  United  State?.  Of  foreign  shipping,  641,310  tons  en- 
tered, and  630,824  cleared.    The  registered  tonnage,  as  corrected 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


77 


at  the  register's  office,  for  the  year  ending  December,  1834,  is  sta- 


ted at.   857,438  42  95 

The  enrolled  and  licensed  tonnage  at   783,618  65.95 

And  the  fishing  vessels  at   117,850  02.95 


Tons.... 1,758, 907  14.95 
Of  the  registered  tonnage  there  was  employed  in 

the  whale  fishery   108,060  14.85 

The  total  tonnage  of  shipping  built  in  the  United  States  during 
the  year  1834  was — 

Registered   52,622  60  95 

Enrolled   76,707  22.95 


Tons   118,330  37.95 

And  the  value  of  the  imports  to  this  city  for  the  year  ending  the 

1st  October,  1835,  in  American  vessels,  was   $82,783,359 

In  foreign  vessels  was   5,407,846 


Total   $88,191,305 

The  value  of  exports  for  the  same  year  was  as  follows: 

Domestic  produce. 

In  American  vessels   $19,126,513 

In  foreign  vessels,....   2,581,354 


Total  $21,707,867 

Foreign  produce. 

In  American  vessels   $6,584,978 

In  foreign  vessels   2,052,419 


Total..  $30,345,264 

of  domestic  and  foreign  produce. 


The  manner  in  which  these  extensive  commercial  transactions 
have  enriched  this  city,  may  at  once  be  estimated  by  a  view  of  the 
city  itself,  and  by  the  increase  in  its  value,  as  seen  by  the  following: 

Comparative  view  of  valuation  and  taxes  since  1805. 


Years.  Valuatiens.  City  taxes. 

1805  :   $25,645,867  $127,946  87 

1806   26,529,630  127,814  97 

1807   24,959,955  119,155  09 

1808   25,118,720  138,984  18 

1809..   24,782.267  130,027  39 

1810.    26,436,370  129,727  15 

1811   26,045,730  176,978  25 

1812   26  245.040  171,920  17 

1813.   27.640,230  171,726  94 

1814   82,901,497  214,225  09 


1815.  8re?B^042  197.910  73 


78 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Years.  Valuations.  City  taxes. 

1816   $82,074,200  $l80,6o3  94 

1817   78,895,735  216,720  44 

1818   80,254,091  255,740  79 

1819   77,113,061  .250,140  21 

1820   69,530,753  270,361  19 

1821   68  282,070  259,430  30 

1822   70,289,144  302,105  61 

1823...,   70,940,820  351,814  36 

1824   83,075,676  353,328  89 

1825   101,160,046  336,863  82 

1826   107,4'77,781  383,758  89 

1827   112,211,926  437,692  02 

1828..   114,019,533  485,751  72 

1829   112.526,016  507,107  24 

1830..   125,288,518  509,178  44 

1831   139,280,214  562,104  05 

1832.   146,302.618  665,385  74 

1833   166,491  542  971,865  61 

1834   186.568.511  835,605  49 

1835   218,723,703  965,602  94 

1836   309,500,920  1,085,130  44 


For  the  commercial  marine  of  such  a  city,  so*  lately  a  wilderness, 
so  rapid  in  its  advancement  in  business,  and  so  abundant  in  re- 
sources, the  commercial  metropolis  of  our  mighty  republic,  we  are 
called  to  provide  adequate  and  safe  places. 

Before,  however,  the  committee  proceed  to  state  their  views  upon 
that  great  and  important  subject,  they  will  ask  an  examination  of 
a  short  sketch  of  the  history  of  our  wharves  and  slips,  and  of  their 
present  condition.  They  were  generally  put  up  as  demand  for  them 
proved  the  necessity;  built  by  contract,  and  done  by  the  job,  fre- 
quently in  great  haste,  and  often  at  an  unfavorable  season,  without 
a  suitable  examination  of  Uie  bed  of  the  river.  Some  are  new;  the- 
others  are  either  sunk,  bent,  rotten,  broken  or  injured.  A  few 
days  since,  this  very  corpordtion  directed  nearly  40,000  dollars  to 
be  expended  as  soon  as  possible,  to  preserve  a  few  of  them  from 
destruction.  And  even  when  this  has  been  faithfully  done,  many 
of  them  will  be  in  a  condition  that  would  forbid  their  use  by  pru- 
dent owners  and  careful  agenis  of  valuable  ships  and  cargoes.. 
Being,  in  almost  all  cases,  built  across  the  current,  scarcely  one  of 
our  Irequent  storms  passes  without  doing  damage  to  the  corners, 
ends,  ci  other  parts  of  some  of  them.  Tneir  slender  protection  for 
the  present  shipping  is  apparent;  and  their  small  dimensions  are 
subject  of  daily  remark  and  regret.  But  ttiere  is  another  difficulty . 
The  slips  are  constantly  becoming  filled  with  sand,  earth,  shells,, 
mud,  rubbish,  and  other  obstructions.  The  ma)  or  mentions  the 
numerous  complaints  on  this  head.  His  language  is  equally  point- 
ed and  instructive  on  this  subject,  and  that  of  berths  lor  shipping. 
Among  many  o'her  admonitions,  he  says,  It  has  been  represented 
lo  me  thai  the  private  slips,  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city,  require 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


79 


immediate  attention;  and  I  have  reason  to  believe  that  both  the 
convenience  and  the  health  of  the  public  will  be  advanced  by  the 
adoption  of  early  measures  to  cleanse  and  purify  them.  The  im- 
mense and  steadily  increasing  value  of  the  commerce  of  the  city, 
VfiU  commend  this  subject  to  your  attention;  and  I  feel  assured 
that  you  will  rapidly  provide  all  proper  facilities,  and  remove  all 
impediments,  with  a  view  to  accommodate  interests  of  such  magni- 
tude." And  on  a  personal  inspection,  the  committee  find  those 
complaints  true  and  daily  increasing.  The  cleansings  must  be  fre- 
quent and  of  considerable  duration;  and  these  interrupt,  for  some 
time,  in  each  case,  the  use  of  the  slips  where  the  machines  are  in 
operation.  And  so  expensive  and  so  difficult  has  it  been  to  accom- 
plish this  object  fully  at  all  times,  and  so  anxious  have  many  been 
to  continue  South  street,  that  our  places  for  the  use  of  small  craft, 
market  boats,  and  ships  of  every  class,  have  been  greatly  diminish- 
ed within  a  few  years,  by  allowing  obstructions  to  accumulate  in 
various  slips,  and  finally  filling  up  the  whole,  or  parts  of  them. 
Several  instances  of  this  fact  above  Fulton  slip  might  be  mentioned- 
and  below,  we  can  all  witness  to  this,  particularly  in  Burling  slip', 
Coffee  House  slip,  Old  slip,  Whitehall  slip,  and  Rector  slip.  Great 
part  of  these,  from  time  to  time,  have  been  withdrawn  from  the 
purposes  originallji  designed  and  substitutes  not  provided.  Our 
ordinances  in  this  particular  too,  have  been  and  are  of  a  character 
to  prove  our  want  of  liberality  in  furnishing  convenient  accommo- 
dations. Certain  kinds  of  vessels  have  been  forbidden  to  enter 
many  parts  of  our  docks  under  severe  penalties.  To  this  should 
be  added  the  fact,  that  since  the  present  system  of  piers  was  adop- 
ted, the  size,  quality,  and  nature  of  our  shipping  have  essentially 
changed.  And  the  committee  have  lately  learned  that  an  applica- 
tion, for  some  time  before  the  common  council,  for  extending  West 
street  to  the  Battery,  is  again  to  be  urged,  and  that  one  of  the 
principal  reasons  to  be  pressed  for  the  measure  is  the  shallow  state 
of  the  slips,  which  would  be  taken  by  the  improvement,  between 
the  Albany  basin  and  the  Battery.  This  would  greatly  dim.inish 
our  piers  and  slips.  And  in  regard  to  the  condition,  expense,  and 
inconQe  of  our  present  public  slips  and  wharves,  we  will  add  the 
following. 

By  reference  to  the  special  report  of  the  comptroller,  and  on 
examining  the  amount  of  moneys  laid  out  during  the  last  fifteen 
years  only,  for  the  wharves,  slips  and  piers  belonging  to  this  city, 
and  wholly  exclusive  of  those  belonging  to  private  individuals,  the 
committee  find  that  since  the  year  1820,  this  city  has  paid  out 
$842,894  13;  that  of  this  sum,  $76,301  56,  besides  some  contingen- 
cies,  were  paid  for  cleaning  the  mud  from  the  lew  slips  belonging 
to  the  corporation,  and  which,  probably,  was  allowed  to  stand  as 
an  argument  for  filling  up  many  which  were  once  the  most  valuable 
docks  of  the  city. 

^  The  sum  of  $226,138  53  were  also  expended  in  the  same  time  in 
imperfect  repairs  of  our  scanty  piers,  besides  various  salaries,  &c., 
and  $523,104  90  In  the  building  of  some  new  wooden  piers  for  the 
^iity.    Still  iarger  sums  have  probably  been  expended  during  the 


80 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57 


same  period,  for  the  same  purpose,  by  the  owners  of  the  private 
wharves,  showing  that  enormous  sums  must  have  been  disbursed 
in  a  short  time,  for  our  very  insufficient,  decaying,  and  fleeting 
accommodations. 

By  a  further  inquiry  at  the  comptroller's  office,  it  is  found  that 
the  income  of  this  city,  during  the  last  eleven  years,  from  their 
wharves,  piers,  and  slips,  has  been  as  follows: 

1826   $40,852  50 

1827   45,317  95 

1828   43,242  15 

1829   42,637  60 

1830   51,428  94 

1831   29,433  12 

1832   47,311  18 

1833   47,519  50 

1834   54,023  34 

1835   53,900  18 

By  which  it  will  be  observed,  that  for  a  great  number  of  years 
the  expenditure  for  our  piers  and  slips  has  been  more  than  the 
receipts;  and  one  day's  personal  inspection  of  them  will  prove, 
beyond  contradiction,  that  the  same  consequences,  and  indeed 
worse  than  the  past,  must  and  will  continue  to  be  true  of  them. 
They  in  reality  produce  nothing,  and,  beyond  expenditures  upon 
them,  never  can.  And  it  must  be  noticed  that,  notwithstanding 
the  extensive  annual  disbursements,  the  amount  of  rents  for  them 
has  increased  but  little.  Every  year  renders  our  present  system, 
in  this  particular,  more  objectionable. 

It  is  true,  that  while  the  business  of  this  thriving  city  has  been 
rapidly  extending,  the  size  of  our  ships  has  increased,  and  the  cha- 
racter of  its  shipping  has  changed.  But  for  this  latter  circumstance, 
our  docks  would  have  been  more  insufficient  than  they  now  are. 
Vessels  propelled  by  steam,  and  carrying  large  freights  without  the 
aid  of  canvass,  have  for  some  time  transported  in  various  direc- 
tions, by  the  aid  of  few  hands,  the  merchandise  that  would  have 
required  many  times  the  number  of  other  vessels  to  have  done  the 
same,  and  several  times  the  wharf  and  slip  room  for  the  vessels 
doing  it.  There  is  a  new  and  extraordinary  state  of  things  produ- 
ced, also,  by  the  kind  and  mode  of  our  business,  now  transacted  at 
our  wharves.  Owing  to  the  crowded  state  of  many  of  our  slips,  wc 
have  for  many  years  had  ordinances  for  excluding  certain  craft 
from  some  of  them.   Sec.  1  and  8,  title  2,  chap.  34,  city  ordinances. 

The  committee  will  here  introduce,  as  the  best  evidence  of  the 
very  imperfect  state  of  our  accommodations  as  compared  with  our 
business,  some  statements  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  corporation 
while  they  had'under  consideration,  in  February,  1836,  the  applica- 
tion of  C.  Vanderbilt  to  have  a  grant  for  exclusive  use  of  the  north- 
east side  of  the  pier  No.  22,  East  river,  for  his  eastern  steamboats, 
together  with  half  of  the  water  of  the  basin  adjoining.  On  that  occa- 
sion a  remonstrance,  signed  by  Messrs.  Joiiaiij-ia  Gooahue  &  Co., 
and  other  merchants,  was  presented.    Its  sutemiints  may  be  impli- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


81 


citly  rehed  upon.  It  exhibits,  by  a  single  and  short  history  of  the 
doings  of  one  line  of  packets,  what  must  be  the  enormous  business 
now  and  hereafter  to  be  transacted  in  this  city  by  the  various  ship- 
ping visiting  our  harbor.  Among  other  things,  it  sets  forth  that 
<'the  average  value  of  the  outward  cargo  of  the  eight  ships  of  the 
old  line  of  Liverpool  packets  is  not  less  than  $40,000.  These  eight 
ships  perform  three  voyages  each  per  year,  and  the  twenty-four 
outward  cargoes  thus  amount  to  the  sum  of  $960,000.  And  from 
the  returns  in  the  custom-house,  and  other  correct  sources  of  infor- 
mation, It  is  ascertained  that  the  average  value  of 'the  inward  car- 
goes (1835)  of  the  ships  Columbia,  South  America,  Orpheus,  North 
America,  Caledonia,  Europe,  England  and  Hibernia,  during  that 
year,  (twenty-four  voyages,)  was  $436,000;  making  the  total  value 
of  the  twenty-four  inward  cargoes,  during  one  year,  $10,464,000. 
Amount  of  outward  and  inward  cargoes  during  one  year,  of  those 
eight  ships  alone,  about  $11,500,000." 

And  this  remonstrance  was  accompanied  by  the  following  state- 


ment 


"  To  the  honorable  the  mayor,  aldermen  and  commonalty  of  the  city 

of  JYeio  York: 

"  The  undersigned,  harbor  masters  of  the  city  of  New  York  re- 
spectfully certify  and  make  known  to  your  honorable  body,\hat 
there  are  now  only  sixty-eight  berths  on  the  East  river  (exclusive 
of  the  public  docks  and  slips,  and  which  are  appropriated  to  some 
vessels  employed  in  the  coasting  trade,  and  to  market  boats)  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  great  and  increasing  foreign  and  inland 
commerce  of  your  city.  That  not  more  than  thirty  of  these  sixty- 
eight  berths  can  admit  ships  of  the  largest  classes,  being  about  one 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  in  length,  and  drawing  from  fourteen  to 
eighteen  feet  of  water.  And  the  undersigned  further  certify  that 
to  afford  full  accommodation  for  the  shipping  engaged  in  foreign 
and  inland  commerce,  at  least  one  hundred  berths  would  be  re- 
quired. 

*^To  convince  your  honorable  body  of  the  great  deficiency  in  ac- 
commodations, the  undersigned  state  that,  during  the  present  win- 
ter, the  St.  Andrew,  Ajax,  Hannibal,  Columbia,  Huntsville,  and 

 ,  lie  ten  days,  on  an  average,  at  the  end  of  the  piers  in 

the  most  imminent  danger,  as  every  successive  tide  exposes  them 
to  the  danger  of  being  sunk  by  the  floating  ice;  that  the  value  of 
these  ships  thus  put  in  hazard  could  not  be  less,  in  the  judgment  of 
the  undersigned,  than  two  millions  of  dollars;  and  the  value  of  the 
ships  thus  endangered  could  not  be  less  than  the  sum  of  thirty 
thousand  dollars  each— $180,000. 

And  the  undersigned,  in  view  of  these  facts,  and  many  others 
which  might  be  enumerated,  certify  that,  in  their  opinion,  it  is  a 
matter  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the  commerce  of  this  city  that 
at  least,  the  present  limited  accommodation  for  foreign  and  inland 
shipping  should  not  be  further  restricted  and  further  limited.  All 
6 


82 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


which  is  sabmilted  for  the  consideration  of  your  honorable  body 
bv  the  undersigned,  harbor  masters  in  the  city  of  New  York. 
^  ^  JOHN  MINUGH, 

DAVID  MITCHELL, 
SAMUEL  WISWALL. 

New  York,  February  27,  1836." 

The  prayer  of  Mr.  Vandrrbilt  was  denied. 

Now  in  order  that  the  city  councils  may  be  the  better  prepared 
to  form  a  correct  opinion  of  the  nature,  expense,  and  short  dura- 
tion of  the  wooden  piers  at  present  placed  about,  the  city,  the  com- 
mittee will  here  refer  to  the  following  declarations  of  Mr.  Serrell, 
an  able  engineer,  as  set  forth  in  his  report  made  to  Mr.  Wrio;ht  in 
1832.    It  follows:  . 

*' On  the  question  of  original  cost,  annual  repairs,  usual  dura- 
bility, and  general  convenience  attained  under  the  present  system, 
it  may  be  stated,  that  it  is  considered  each  wooden  pier  of  300  feet 
long  and  30  feet  wide,  costs  on  an  average  $16,000,  when  first 
erected;  that  after  the  fir-st  eight  years  it  will  cost,  on  an  average, 
$500  annually  for  repairs;  and  at  the  end  of  the  sixteen  years,  on 
an  average,  it  will  require  to  be  rebuilt.  Upon  these  data  it  will 
be  found  that  each  pier,  at  the  end  of  forty-eight  years,  will  have 
cost,  in  three  sums  of  principal  outlay,  annual  repairs  and  com- 
pound interest,  upwards  of  $480,000;  and  the  pier  will  then  require 
building  a  fourth  time.  If  a  pier  300  feet  by  30  feet  costs  $480,000, 
at  the  end  of  forty-eight  years,  one  of  500  feet  by  60  feet  wou  d 
cost,  at  the  same  rate,  about  $1,600,000,  and  a  new  outlay  would 
then  be  requisite  to  rebuild.  To  this  must  be  added  the  constant 
annual  expense  of  clearing  out  the  mud,  and  other  extra  charges 
attendant  on  the  system,  of  which  no  estimate  can  at  present  be 

formed.^'  ,         ,    ,i  i-      ^         4.  4. 

And  it  was  conclusively  shown,  beyond  all  dispute,  that  to  re- 
build these  piers  with  stone,  requiring,  as  they  would,  the  use  of 
coffer  dams  and  diving  bells,  &c.,  would  cost  sums  altogether  too 
large  to  be  laid  out  for  such  trifling  accommodations;  and  forming 
slips,  too,  that  would  be  forever  the  receptacle  of  the  filth  of  the 
city  or  even  if  this  should  be  remedied,  they  would  be  the  deposi- 
tories of  the  various  materials  that  the  tides  and  winds  would  al- 
ways crowd  together  in  them. 

On  looking  over  the  public  papers,  it  appears  that  ^^ere  were  m 
the  harbor  of  New  York,  on  the  first  day  of  October,  1836,  101 
ships,  22  barques,  93  brigs,  and  41  schooners;  about  65  steamboats, 
30  tow  boats,  41  tow  barges,  a  large  number  of  sloops,  market 
boats,  canal  boats,  and  other  small  craft,  besides  rafts  and  other 
things  requiring  slip  room.  This  number  must  yearly  be  increased, 
and  it  may  safely  be  estimated,  that  in  five  years  these  will  be 
more  numerous  by  30  per  cent.,  and  in  ten  by  50  per  cent.,  and  all 
these  will  be  doubled  in  15  years;  and  places  thus  required  for 
twice  the  number  of  ships  now  coming  here,  and  a  large  portion  ol, 
much  greater  tonnage.  ^  ^-  4i,^ 

And  before  entering  upon  the  next  topic  ot  consideration,  the 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


83 


committee  state  that  already,  during  the  summer  months,  and  some- 
times after  those  have  passed  away,  as  many  as  eight,  nine,  ten, 
and  sometimes  more  ships,  and  generally  having  rich  cargoes  on 
board,  lie  side  by  side  at  the  outer  end  of  piers  in  the  East  river, 
waiting  for  a  dock  berth,  and  offering  a  reward  for  a  convenient 
place  to  lade  or  unlade  their  vessels.  And  so  constantly  and 
closely  even  these  hazardous  locations  are  occupied,  that,  at  last, 
the  same  operation,  to  some  extent,  takes  place  in  the  North  river. 
During  all  this  time  there  are  from  twenty  to  sixty  vessels  at  an- 
chor in  the  bay,  or  temporarily  put  in  near  our  city,  awaiting  simi- 
lar accommodations.  These  delays  and  exposures  occasion  great 
loss  and  damage  to  producers,  shippers,  underwriters,  consignees 
and  others. 

The  committee  have  thus  set  forth  the  growth  of  the  city  and 
the  cost,  income,  and  present  condition  of  its  piers,  &c.,  and  en- 
deavored to  enable  the  corporation,  by  a  reference  to  the  piers  of 
other  countries,  to  judge  what  shall  be  considered  best  for  ours. 
We  have  no  land  to  furnish  for  excavations,  our  streets  must  not 
be  interrupted  by  canals,  and  every  foot  of  the  island  will  be  soon 
required  for  residences,  squares,  streets,  reservoirs,  and  other  uses. 
Eut  it  would  prove  a  fatal  error,  surrounded  as  she  is  by  ambitious 
rivalry,  and  competing  with  many  cities  for  the  great  commerce  of 
the  west  and  south,  should  she  refuse,  or  too  long  delay,  to  provide 
the  most  liberal  and  inviting  facilities  for  the  commerce  which 
offers  to  her  its  golden  advantages.  Those  who  notice  the  sad 
results  of  too  prudent  procrastination  in  this  or  other  preparations, 
will  admit  that  suitable  measures,  quickly  determined  upon,  and 
speedily  perfected,  are  necessary  to  secure  those  preferences  which 
nature  designed  for  us. 

The  propositions  contained  in  the  resolutions  and  proceedings 
referred  to  this  committee,  and  as  examined  by  them,  are  as  fol- 
lows: 

To  suspend  hereafter  the  building  of  any,  or  but  few,  small  piers 
from  the  island,  and,  in  lieu  thereof,  to  erect  in  the  North  river  a 
stone  island  or  quay,  to  be  called  the  Great  West  pier;  to  extend, 
in  due  time,  from  the  South  Battery,  northerly  to  Kingsbridge, 
or  at  all  events  as  far  as  the  interests  of  the  city  shall  require.  To 
be  built  from  800  to  1,000  feet  beyond  the  west  end  of  the  present 
small  wharves  along  the  North  river;  to  be  constructed  without 
the  aid  of  coffer  dams,  and  using  diving  bells  only  in  the  first  five 
cr  six  feet  immediately  below  low  water;  to  be  connected  to  the 
main  land  by  wharves  or  ridges,  each  250  feet  wide,  built  of  tim- 
bers and  floored,  upon  the  plan,  generally,  of  that  lately  built  at 
the  foot  of  Marketfield  street,  with  some  additions  of  strength  and 
braces,  and  some  other  particulars;  thus  dividing  the  waters  be- 
tween the  city  and  Great  pier  into  several  basins,  or  departments; 
and  the  use  of  the  connecting  wharves  so  regulated,  as  to  afford  a 
walk  in  the  centre  of  each,  a  little  raised,  of  twenty-five  feet,  for 
all  people  travelling  to  and  from  the  Great  pier,  or  for  any  other 
purpose;  and  to  allow  of  large  sewers  under  the  walks,  by  means 
of  which  the  wash  and  filth  of  the  city  should  be  carried  beyond 


84 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57, 


the  pier  into  the  bay  or  river;  having  on  each  side  of  said  walk  a 
cartway  for  vehicles  going  to  and  returning  from  the  pier,  of  fifty 
feet  each,  and  then  leaving  a  quay  or  wharf  on  the  upper  and 
lower  side,  of  sixty-two  and  a  half  feet  each  for  the  lading  and 
unlading  of  vessels.  All  this  can  be  done,  giving  more  ample 
room,  convenience,  and  facility  for  the  shipping  than  are  afforded 
by  the  docks  of  London  and  Liverpool,  and  without  any  part  of  the 
monstrous  expenditures  of  those  places  for  locks  and  dock  gates, 
&c.,  because  the  rise  and  fall  of  our  tides  do  not  render  such  very 
expensive  and  troublesome  contrivances  necessary.  There  will  be 
draws  in  such  of  the  bridges  as  may  be  found  necessary,  and  such 
outlets  into  the  river,  across  the  pier,  as  may  be  thought  best  for 
the  use  that  shall  be  made  of  it. 

Pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  common  council,  the  soundings 
of  the  North  river  have  been  taken  by  Messrs.  D.  and  E.  Ewen, 
able  and  intelligent  city  surveyors,  and  accompanies  this  report. 
By  those,  the  North  river  is  declared  to  be  at  an  average  of  at 
least  fifty  feet  in  depth,  on  the  entire  line,  in  the  part  recommended 
as  the  location  of  the  above  pier.  The  tides,  at  ail  times  of  mode- 
rate movement,  and  only  from  four  to  five  feet  in  height;  present- 
ing at  once  to  the  use,  the  improvement  and  the  pride  of  the  city 
a  depth  of  water  which,  from  its  very  position,  if  occupied  as  pro- 
posed, would  never  cease  to  be  of  the  most  ample  depth,  purity, 
and  superiority. 

It  has  also  been  proposed  that  this  pier  should  be  so  constructed 
that  it  may,  when  raised  five  feet  above  high  water  mark,  be  200 
feet  wide  on  the  surface,  having  a  cellar,  finished  in  cement, 
throughout  its  whole  length,  and  capable  of  affording  a  double  tier 
of  lots,  of  25  by  100  feet  each  lot. 

And  it  is  stated  that  the  lots  would  inevitably  be  greatly  de- 
sired for  public  stores,  and  by  importers  and  others.  They  could 
be  so  constructed  on  the  pier  as  to  obviate  every  difficulty  and  in- 
jury that  now  await  the  emptying  of  a  vessel  at  our  wharves;  and 
the  construction  of  powerful  cranes  thereon  would  hasten  and 
cheapen  the  discharge  of  cargoes.  This  pier  once  built,  other  fix- 
tures within  might  at  any  time  be  added,  such  a-s  other  wharves,  &c. 

It  is  also  proposed  by  the  resolution  that  in  the  East  river,  above 
Corlaer's  Hook,  a  stone  pier  and  breakwater  shall  be  constructed, 
on  the  plan  of  the  one  recommended  for  the  North  river,  com- 
mencing opposite  14th  street,  near  Burnt  Mill  Point,  and  extend- 
ing north  to  34th  street,  at  Kip's  bay,  and  surrounding  and  en- 
closing an  ample  portion  of  that  part  of  East  river.  And  it  has 
been  also  suggested  that  the  practice  of  erecting  small  piers, 
forming  small  ?5lips  along  that  shore  also  be  discontinued,  unless 
in  cases  that  may  from  time  to  time  be  deemed  indispensible;  that 
a  good  substantial  stone  bulkhead  be  placed  along  the  shore  of 
the  island;  that  as  fast  as  any  of  the  above  piers  shall  be  com- 
pleted, durable  wharves,  substantially  planked  or  floored,  and 
braced,  shall  be  extended  to  them  from  the  shore,  and  at  such 
places  and  from  such  streets  as  shall  be  found  proper.  But  on  this 
subject  all  the  committee  have  not  formed  any  positive  opinion. 

At  this  Stage  of  this  report  the  board  wiU  not  forget  that  it  is 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


85 


matter  o  f  history  that  the  construction  of  the  Liverpool  clocks,  by 
affording  additional  convenience  to  foreign  trade,  has  been  followed 
by  a  great  increase,  and  raised  that  once  decayed  town  to  be  the 
second  port  in  the  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  for  commerce,  size 
and  population.  And  the  London  docks  have  contributed  count- 
less millions  to  the  wealth  of  the  capital  of  Great  Britain. 

The  design  of  those  who  originated  and  carried  forward  the  wet 
docks  of  England,  was  to  achieve  for  the  chief  cities  of  the  British 
empire  what  is  now  proposed  to  be  done  for  the  city  of  New  York; 
their  origin,  expense,  progress  and  income  are  so  well  stated  and 
described  by  an  eminent  and  popular  writer,  that  the  committee 
will  ask  leave  to  introduce  from  that  author  the  following  account 
of  them:  deeming  them  highly  deserving  of  the  reference,  perusal 
and  consideration  of  this  board.    The  extracts  are 

[From  a  Dictionary,  Practical,  Theoretical,  and  Historical,  of  Comnaerce  and  Commercial 
Navigation.    London,  1835,  by  J.  R.  McCoUock,  esq. — Page  476.] 

Utilities  of  docks. — The  construction  of  wet  docks  has  done 
much  to  facilitate  and  promote  navigation.  A  large  vessel,  par- 
ticularly if  loaded,  could  not  be  allowed  to  come  to  the  ground, 
or  to  lie  on  the  beach  without  sustaining  considerable  injury,  and 
perhaps  being  destroyed;  and  even  the  smaller  class  of  vessels  are 
apt  to  be  strained  and  otherwise  hurt,  if  they  are  left  dry,  unless, 
the  ground  be  very  soft.  Hence  when  large  vessels  have  to  be 
loaded  or  unloaded  where  there  are  no  docks,  and  where  the  water 
close  to  the  shore  or  quay  is  not  sufficiently  deep,  the  work  can 
only  be  carried  on  during  a  particular  period  of  each  tide;  it  being 
necessary  in  order  to  keep  the  vessel  afloat,  that  she  should  leave 
the  shore  with  the  ebbing  tide;  attempts  have  sometimes  been  made 
to  obviate  this  inconvenience  by  running  jetties  or  piers  to  such  a 
distance  into  the  sea,  that  there  might  always  be  a  sufficient  depth 
of  water  at  their  heads,  but  this  can  only  be  done  in  peculiar  situ- 
ations, and  it  requires  that  the  ship's  position  should  be  frequently 
changed;  it  is  in  mo^t  cases,  too,  impossible  properly  to  protect 
the  cargoes  of  ships  loading  or  unloading  at  quays  or  on  the  beach 
from  depredations.  Previously  to  the  construction  of  wet  docks 
on  the  Thames,  the  property  annually  pillaged  from  ships  was  es- 
timated to  amount  to  .£600,000;  thoua;h  this  is  probably  much  ex- 
aggerated. 

I.  Docks  on  the  Thames. — 1st,  West  India  docks;  2d,  London 
docks;  3d,  East  India  docks;  4th,  St.  Catherine's  docks;  5th,  Com- 
mercial docks. 

II.  Liverpool  docks. 

III.  Bristol  docks. 

IV.  Hull  (locks. 

V.  Poole  docks. 

VI.  Leith  docks. 

I.  Docks  on  the  Thames. — It  is  singular  that,  notwithstanding  the 
obvious  utility  of  wet  docks  and  the  vast  trade  of  the  metropolis, 


86 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


there  was  no  establishment  of  this  sort  on  the  Thames  till  nearly  a 
century  after  a  wet  dock  had  been  constructed  at  Liverpool;  the 
inconvenience  arising  from  the  crowded  state  of  the  river  at  the 
period  when  fleets  of  merchantmen  were  accustomed  to  arrive,  the 
insufficient  accommodation  afforded  by  the  legal  quays  and  suffer- 
ance wharfs,  the  necessity  under  which  many  ships  were  placed  of 
unloading  in  the  river  into  lighters,  and  the  insecurity  and  loss  ot 
property  thence  arising,  had  been  long  felt  as  almost  intolerable 
grievances;  but  so  powerful  w^as  the  opposition  to  any  change, 
made  by  the  private  wharfingers  and  others  interested  in  the  sup- 
port of  the  existing  order  of  things,  that  it  was  not  till  1793  that  a 
plan  w^as  projected  for  making  wet  docks  for  the  port  of  London; 
and  six  years  more  elapsed  before  the  act  for  the  construction  of 
the  West  India  docks  was  passed. 

1st.  West  India  docks, — These  were  the  first,  and  continue  to  be 
the  most  extensive,  of  the  great  warehousing  establishments  formed 
in  the  port  of  London.  Their  construction  commenced  in  February, 
1800,  and  they  were  partially  opened  in  August,  1802.  They  stretch 
across  the  isthmus,  joining  the  Isle  of  Dogs  to  the  Middlesex  side 
of  the  Thames;  they  originally  consisted  of  an  import  and  an  ex- 
port dock,  each  communicating,  by  means  of  locks,  with  a  basin  of 
five  or  six  acres  in  extent,  at  the  end  next  Blackw^all,  and  with  an- 
other of  more  than  two  acres  at  the  end  next  Limehouse.  Both  of 
these  basins  communicate  with  the  Thames.  To  these  works  the 
West  India  Company  have  recently  added  the  South  dock,  formerly 
the  city  canal,  which  w^as  parallel  to  the  export  docks;  this  canal 
was  intended  to  facilitate  navigation  by  enabling  ships  to  avoid  the 
circuitous  course  round  the  Isle  of  Dogs;  it  was,  however,  but  little 
used  for  that  purpose,  and  is  now  appropriated  to  the  wood  trade, 
for  the  greater  accommodation  of  which  a  pond  of  nineteen  acres 
has  been  recently  formed  on  the  south  side  for  the  reception  of 
bonded  timber.  The  export  docks,  or  that  appropriated  for  ships 
trading  outwards,  is  about  870  yards  in  length  by  135  in  width,  so 
that  its  area  is  near  25  acres.  The  north  or  import  dock,  or  that 
appropriated  for  ships  entering  to  discharge,  is  of  the  same  length 
as  the  export  dock,  and  166  yards  wnde,  so  that  it  contains  nearly 
thirty  acres.  The  south  dock,  which  is  appropriated  both  to  ex- 
port and  import  vessels,  1,183  yards  long,  w^ith  an  entrance  to  the 
river  at  each  end;  both  the  locks,  as  well  as  that  into  the  Black- 
wall  basin,  being  forty-five  feet  wide,  or  large  enough  to  admit 
ships  of  twelve  hundred  tons  burthen.  At  tLe  highest  tides  the 
depth  of  the  water  in  the  docks  is  tw^enty-four  feet,  and  the  whole 
will  contain  with  ease  600  vessels,  of  from  250  to  500  tons.  The 
separation  of  the  homeward  bound  ships,  which  is  of  the  utmost 
importance  for  preventing  plunder,  and  giving  additional  security  to 
the  revenue  and  the  merchant,  w^as  for  the  first  time  adopted  in  this 
establishment.  The  import  and  export  docks  are  parallel  to  each 
other,  being  divided  by  a  range  of  warehouses,  principally  appro- 
priated to  the  reception  of  rum,  brandy  and  other  spirituous  liquors; 
there  are  smaller  warehouses  and  sheds  on  the  quays  of  the  export 
and  south  docks  for  the  reception  of  goods  sent  down  for  exporta- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


87 


tion.  The  warehouses  for  imported  goods  are  on  the  four  quays  of 
the  import  dock.  They  are  well  contrived  and  are  of  great  extent, 
being  calculated  to  contain  160,000  hogsheads  of.  sugar,  exclusive 
of  coffee  and  other  produce.  There  have  been  deposited  at  thx3 
same  time  upon  the  quays,  under  the  sheds  and  in  the  warehouses 
belonging  to  these  docks,  148,563  hogsheads  of  sugar,  70,875  casks 
and  433,648  bags  of  coffee,  35,158  puncheons  of  rum  and  pipes  of 
Madeira  wine,  14,021  logs  of  mahogany,  21,350  tons  of  logwood, 
&c.  The  whole  area  occupied  by  the  docks,  warehouses,  &c.,  in- 
cludes about  two  hundred  and  ninety-five  acres,  and  the  most  effec- 
tual precautions  are  adopted  for  the  prevention  of  fire  and  pil- 
fering. 

This  spacious  and  magnificent  establishment  was  founded  by  sub- 
scription. 

The  property  being  vested  in  the  West  India  Dock  Company ,  the 
affairs  of  which  are  managed  by  twenty-one  directors,  as  a  body 
corporate.  The  right  of  voting  is  vested  in  those  shareholders 
only  who  hold  ^£500  of  the  company's  stock.  The  company's  capi- 
tal is  Xl,380,000. 

The  West  India  docks  have  proved  a  very  successful  undertaking, 
and  have  been  highly  beneficial  to  the  original  shareholders.  All 
West  India  ships  frequenting  the  Thames  were  obliged  to  use  them 
for  a  period  of  twenty  years  from  their  completion.  The  dividend  of 
the  company's  stock  was  limited  to  ten  per  cent.,  and  after  making 
dividends  to  the  full  amount,  with  the  exception  of  the  firsthalf  year, 
they  had  in  1819  an  accumulated  fund  of  near  j£400,000.  But  they 
then  diminished  their  charges,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  committee  of 
the  House  of  Commons,  on  the  foreign  trade  of  the  country,  so  as  to 
give  the  trade  using  the  docks  the  benefit  of  the  surplus  fund, 
which  was  to  be  reduced  to  ^100,000  before  30th  January,  1826. 

Latterly  the  company  have  been  obliged,  in  consequence  of  the 
competition  of  the  other  companies,  to  make  further  reductions  of 
dividend;  it  now  amounts  to  £5  per  cent.  At  present  the  compa- 
ny's stock  sells  at  about  par.  ^ 

The  nearest  dock  gate,  at  Limehouse,  is  about  three  miles  from 
the  Exchange,  and  the  other,  next  Blackwall,  about  half  a  mile  more. 
This  distance  has  the  disadvantage  of  increasing  the  expense  of 
cartage,  and  of  being  inconvenient  to  the  merchants  and  others 
using  the  docks;  on  the  other  hand,  however,  ships  entering  the 
West  India  docks  avoid  a  considerable  extent  of  troublesome,  if 
not  of  dangerous,  navigation  that  must  be  undertaken  by  those 
bound  for  the  St.  Catherine's  and  London  docks. 

2d.  London  docks. — These  were  the  next  undertaking  of  this  sort 
set  on  foot  in  the  Thames.  They  are  situated  in  Wapping,  and 
were  principally  intended  for  the  reception  of  ships  laden  with 
wine,  brandy  and  rice.  The  western  dock  covers  a  space  of  above 
twenty  acres,  and  the  new  or  eastern  dock  covers  about  seven 
acres.  The  tobacco  dock  lies  between  the  above,  and  exceeds  one 
acre  in  extent,  being  destined  solely  for  tobacco  ships.  The  entire 
pace  included  within  the  outer  dock  wall  is  seventy-one  acres  and 
hree  roods.    These  docks  were  opened  in  1805.    The  capital  of 


88 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


this  company  amounts  to  £3,238,310  55.  lOd.  A  considerable  por- 
tion of  this  vast  sum,  and  of  a  further  sum  of  .£700,000  borrowed, 
was  required  for  the  purchase  of  the  houses,  about  1,300  in  number, 
that  occupied  the  site  of  the  docksj  the  present  dividend  is  2^  per 
cent. 

3d.  East  India  docks. — These  docks,  situated  at  Blackwall,  were 
principally  intended  for  the  accommodation  of  the  ships  employed 
by  the  East  India  Company.  There  are  two  docks,  one  for  ships  un- 
loading; inwards,  and  one  for  those  unloading  outwards.  The  import 
dock  contains  about  eighteen  acres,  and  the  export  dock  about  nine 
acres.  The  entrance  basin  which  connects  the  docks  with  the  river 
contains  about  two  acres  and  three  quarters;  the  length  of  the  en- 
trance lock  is  210  feet,  the  width  of  the  gates  48  feet  clear,  having 
to  receive  vessels  of  great  burden.  The  depth  of  water  in  the  East 
India  docks  is  never  less  than  twenty-three  feel.  Most  of  the  mer- 
chandise imported  into  these  docks  is  conveyed  without  loss  of  time 
to  warehouses  in  the  city,  so  that  the  extent  of  warehouses  belong- 
ing to  them  is  comparatively  small.  The  East  India  docks  are  at 
the  greatest  distance  from  town.  The  capital  of  the  company  is 
under  £500,000,  and  the  dividend  is  4  per  cent. 

4th.  St.  Catherine's  docks. — The  company  for  the  construction 
of  these  docks  was  incorporated  by  the  act  6  Geo.  IV.  chap  105, 
(local,)  and  they  were  partially  opened  on  the  25th  October,  1828. 
They  are  situated  immediately  under  the  Tower,  and  are,  conse- 
quently, the  most  contiguous  of  any  to  the  city,  the  custom-house, 
and  other  places  where  business  is  transacted.  The  capital,  raised 
by  shares,  amounts  to  £1,352,800,  but  an  additional  sum  of 
£800,000  has  been  borrowed  on  the  security  of  the  rates  for  the 
completion  of  the  works,  and  the  purchase  of  a  freehold  property 
possessing  river  frontage,  from  the  Tower  to  the  corner  of  Lower 
East  Smithfield,  of  the  value  of  upwards  of  £100,000,  but  not  re- 
quired for  the  immediate  purpose  of  the  act;  a  portion  of  this  pro- 
perty has  been  appropriated  as  a  steam  packet  wharf ^  where  passen- 
gers emha%k  and  land  without  the  aid  or  risk  oj  boat  conveyance ; 
the  purchase  of  the  numerous  houses  that  stood  upon  the  ground 
occupied  by  the  docks  proved,  as  in  case  of  the  London  docks,  a 
heavy  item  of  expense.  The  space  included  within  the  outer  wall 
is  about  twenty-four  acres,  nearly  eleven  of  which  are  water.  The 
warehouses  and  vaults  are  upon  a  very  large  scale,  far  more  so 
than  one  might  be  disposed  to  infer  from  the  extent  of  water.  The 
warehouses  are  exceedingly  well  contrived  and  commodious,  and 
owing  to  their  being  partly  on  pillars,  (within  w^hat  is  called  the 
quay  works  of  the  other  docks  is  transacted,)  close  to  the  water's 
edge,  goods  are  hoisted  direct  from  the  hold  of  the  vessel,  without 
its  being  necessary,  as  in  the  West  India  and  London  docks,  to  land 
them  on  quays,  so  that  there  is  in  this  way  a  great  saving  in  room, 
time  and  labor. 

5th.  Commercial  docks. — Exclusively  of  the  previously  mention- 
ed docks,  which  are  all  on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  there  are,  on 
the  south  side,  the  Commercial  docks,  opposite  to  the  west  end  of 
the  West  India  docks.    These  docks  are  of  large  extent;  the  space 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


included  within  the  outer  wall  being  about  forty-nine  acres,  of 
which  nearly  thirty-eight  acres  are  water.  They  are  principally 
intended  for  the  reception  of  vessels  with  timber,  corn,  and  other 
bulky  commodities;  they  have  but  little  accommodation  for  ware- 
housing, and  their  establishments  are  not  constructed  so  as  to  enti- 
tle them  to  bond  all  goods. 

The  Surry  canal  company  also  admit  vessels  to  be  docked  in  the 
basin  of  their  canal  (501).  The  committee  have  observed  within  a 
few  days  the  following  notice  in  the  papers  on  the  same  subject, 
viz: 

^^JVew  docks, — The  water  has  been  let  into  the  new  docks  called 
^Victoria  dock'  and  ^Trafalgar  dock,'  situate  between  Waterloo  and 
Clarence  docks,  at  the  north  end  of  the  town;  each  dock  comprises 
about  four  statute  acres,  and  Victoria  dock  is  already  occupied  by 
several  merchant  ships."  The  following  is  from  the  same  author, 
(504): 

Amount  of  shipping  J  ^c,  belonging  to  the  port  of  London. — Ac- 
cording to  the  official  accounts,  there  belonged  to  the  port  of  Lon- 
don in  1832,  besides  boats  and  other  vessels  not  registered,  2,669 
'ships  of  the  burden  of  565,174  tons,  manned  by  32,786  men  and 
boys.  In  1819,  the  gross  custom  duty  collected  in  the  port  of  Lon- 
don amounted  to  j67,749,463;  the  expense  of  collecting  being 
J£277,913,  or  at  the  rate  of  £3  Us.  S^d.  per  cent.  In  1832,  the 
gross  duty  had  risen  to  .£9,434,854,  while  the  expenses  of  collect- 
ing had  sunk  to  £243,678,  being  at  the  rate  of  only  £2  Us.  l^d. 
per  cent. 

The  following  tabular  statement  will  serve  to  illustrate  the  for- 
eign trade  and  navigation  of  London. — Page  503. 


90  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

J^umher  and  tonnage  of  vessels  entering  the  port  &f  London  from 
foreign  ports,  distinguishing  between  British  and  foreign  ships. 


Years. 


1700, 

1750. 

1790. 

1791, 

1792, 

1773, 

1814. 

1815. 

1816. 

1817, 

1818, 

1819, 

1820, 

1821, 

1822 

1823 

1824 

1825 

1826 

1827 

1828 

1829 

1830 

1831 

1832 


British. 


Ships. 

839 
1,498 
2,254 
2,184 
2,489 
2,348 
War, 


Tons. 

80,040 
198,023 
431,890 
419,374 
451,188 
478,105 

War. 


Foreign. 


Ships. 
496 
184 
1,116 
1,256 
1,186 
1,193 
War. 


Tons. 

76,995 
36,346 
149,205 
149,053 
152,243 
177,019 
War. 


3,354 
3,000 
3,230 
3,031 
3,132 
3,989 
3,495 
4,012 
4,084 
4,108 
3,910 
3,140 
3,268 


655,239 
585,994 
603,167 
611,451 
607,106 
785,565 
675,026 
769,162 
767,212 
784,070 
744,229 
780,988 
639,840 


856 
571 
597 
865 
1,643 
1,743 
1,586 
1,554 
1,303 
1,300 
1,268 
1,557 
884 


122,619 
89,073 
106,099 
161,705 
264,098 
302,122 
215,254 
221,008 
195,929 
215,605 
207,500 
269,159 
154,142 


The  temporary  falling  ofiF  in  1832  is  to  be  ascribed  to  the  preva- 
lence of  cholera  and  the  unfortunate  misunderstanding  with  Hol- 
land. 


II.  Liverpool  docks. — The  first  wet  dock  in  the  British  empire 
was  constructed  at  Liverpool,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  parliament 
obtained  in  1708.  At  this  period  Liverpool  was  but  an  inconsid- 
erable town,  and  the  accommodation  she  has  derived  from  her 
docks  is  one  of  the  circumstances  that  has  done  most  to  promote 
her  extraordinary  increase  in  commerce,  population,  and  wealth. 
A  second  wet  dock  was  opened  about  the  middle  of  the  last  cen- 
tury, and,  since  that  period,  many  more  have  been  constructed; 
some  of  them  on  a  very  magnificent  scale,  and  furnished  with  all 
sort  of  conveniences.  When  those  now  in  progress  are  completed, 
the  total  area  of  water  in  the  docks  will  exceed  ninety  acres. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


91 


•  The  eiitrancf  to  the  port  of  Liverpool  is  a  good  deal  incom- 
moded with  sand  banks,  through  which,  however,  there  are  several 
channels,  which,  when  the  proper  precautions  are  observed,  afford 
an  easy  and  safe  access  to  the  port. 

The  Liverpool  docks  are  all  constructed  upon  the  estate  of  the 
corporation,  and  are  manag^ed  by  commissioners  appointed  by  par- 
liament. The  warehouses  belong  to  individuals,  and  are  private 
property;  none  of  them  belong  to  the  dock  estates;  most  of  them 
are,  of  course,  situated  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  docks. 

In  1832  there  belonged  to  Liverpool  853  registered  vessels,  of 
the  burthen  of  166,028  tons,  manned  by  9,329  men  and  boys.  The 
gross  custom  duty  collected  in  the  port,  during  the  year  1833, 
amounted  to  the  enormous  sum  of  ^£3,733, 152. 

By  a  reference  to  the  map  of  Liverpool,  it  will  be  at  once 
noticed  what  were  the  many  difficulties  surmounted  in  obtaining 
their  present  provisions  for  the  shippin?-  interest  of  that  city.  The 
corporation  furnished  the  means  and  own  the  docks,  which  have 
not  cost  less  than  thirty  or  forty  millions  of  dollars. 

In  London  the  docks  are  the  result  of  private  investment  and 
enterprise.  All  their  works  are  so  constructed  as  to  avoid  the  de- 
lays and  difficulties  arising  from  their  very  high  tides,  and  this  is 
done  by  their  locks  and  dock  gates.  In  this  city,  the  adoption  of 
the  Great  pier  will  not  require  any  such  expenditure,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  furnish  a  permanent  and  commodious  dock  or  basin,  for 
a  very  small  sum  of  money;  the  intention  is  that  this  pier  shall  form 
very  little  obstruction  to  the  tide,  which  will- still  continue  to  ebb 
and  flow  in  the  same  manner  as  at  the  present  time;  and  although 
this  will  cost  so  little,  it  must  forever  possess  one  admitted  and 
essential  advantage  over  the  docks,  even  of  London,  viz:  that  ves- 
."^els  can  be  sent  from  our  basin  to  sea  at  any  state  of  the  tide,  and 
at  all  times  of  the  year. 

The  badness  of  the  harbor,  the  rapidity  of  the  river  Mersey,  and 
the  shifting  of  its  sands,  were  the  inducements  to  found  the  docks 
of  Liverpool,  and  various  other  inconveniencies  experienced  by 
shipping  in  the  Thames,  were  the  origin  of  the  docks  of  London. 

To  committee  are  persuaded  that  the  time  has  arrived  when  the 
great  interests  of  New  York,  in  regard  to  her  commerce,  should  be 
attended  to  by  the  city  government.  The  waters  of  the  North 
river  are  deep,  wide,  and  extensive.  From  the  earliest  settlement 
of  the  city,  those  waters  have  been  avoided  by  navigators  as  a  lo- 
cation for  vessels;  the  reason  is  at  hand — the  extreme  cold,  the  ice, 
the  bleak  winds  and  driving  tempests  that  frequently  beat  upon 
that  shore  in  winter,  and  the  sudden  squalls  and  rough  weather  to 
which  that  part  of  our  island  is  every  year  subject,  and  frequently 
even  in  summer. 

The  committee  cannot  omit  to  add,  that  it  se^ras  but  plain  and 
simple  justice,  that  as  faithful  and  impartial  legislators  and  guar- 
dians of  the  rights  and  interests  of  all,  the  common  council  should 
as  well  take  measures  to  remedy  the  difficulties  in  the  use  of  the 
Hudson  river  on  our  shore,  as  to  remove  any  other  impediment 
complained  of  within  our  limits;  and  it  cannot  be  denied  that  pro- 


92 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


perty  for  a  great  extent,  on  that  side  of  our  city,  is  far  below  wh^t 
it  would  have  long  since  been,  had  the  use  of  those  waters  been 
rendered  more  agreeable,  safe,  and  convenient. 

It  has  been  suggested,  that  if  the  warehousing  system  should  be 
adopted,  the  cost  of  storage  in  public  stores  would  be  reduced  one- 
half;  the  cellars  for  bonded  liquors  altogether;  fewer  officers  w^ould 
be  required  to  attend  to  them;  delays  and  inconveniences  attendant 
on  the  customhouse  forms  prevented;  ships  discharged  immediately 
on  arrival  at  one-haif  the  present  expense;  errors  and  mistakes  in 
receiving  and  delivering  guarded  against;  smuggling  and  thieving 
prevented,  &c.,  &c. 

The  difference  of  premiums  of  insurance,  on  at  least 
$20,000,000  of  property,  at  one  quarter  per  cent. 

would  be   $50,000 

The  depredations  on  property  prevented  annually   30,000 

(If  we  take  the  London  report  for  a  datum,  they  would 

amount  to  ten  times  this  sum.) 
Saving  of  labor  and  drayage,  either  directly  by  discharg- 
ing into  the  warehouse  on  the  pier,  or  indirectly  by 
allowing  goods  to  remain  on  the  pier  under  the  sheds, 

paying  for  permission   d0,O0O 

Storage  in  public  stores   20,000 

Demurrage  on  chartered  vessels,  time  lost  for  want  of 
berths,  expenses,  damages  incurred  in  moving,  time 
of  merchants,  masters  and  clerks,  employed  in  hunting 
up  berths,  &c.,  delays  for  want  of  room  on  the  piers, 
to  load  and  discharge,  extra  labor,  and  time  lost  to 
carmen  and  others,  occasioned  by  the  crowded  state 
of  the  piers,  and  damages  to  goods  by  the  filth  they 
are  covered  with,  &c.,  would  be  undoubtedly  esti- 
mated by  those  who  have  most  experience,  at  over...  120,000 

which  is  3|  per  cent.  more.   

$260,000 


The  great  pier  and  basin  for  the  North  river  will  form  a  natural 
and  inviting  depot,  and  a  common  home  and  rendezvous  for  all  the 
vast,  varied,  and  increasing  trade  of  the  north,  the  west,  and  part 
of  the  south,  which  is  now  arriving,  and  which  must  soon  be  poured 
into  their  bosom  from  the  railroads,  canals,  seas,  and  almost  inter- 
minable chain  of  lakes,  that  will  conduct  countless  millions  to  our 
market;  it  would  defend  our  shipping  from  damage  by  ice,  wind, 
and  storm;  no  renewal,  or  cleaning,  and  few  repairs  would  ever  be 
required;  the  general  health  would  be  promoted;  and  should  it  be 
determined  that  all  goods  landed  shall  pay  a  small  wharfage,  as 
in  Boston,  and  in  many  of  the  principal  commercial  cities  of  Eu- 
rope, the  proposed"  arrangement  will  be  doubly  necessary  and  desi- 
rable, while  it  will  furnish  ship  room  that  we  must  have,  and  which 
can  be  provided  nowhere  else,  it  will  raise  the  value  of  the  west 
half  of  the  city  to  what  it  deserves,  and  was  designed  to  possess. 

It  has  been  well  found  that  no  objection  to  these  measures  can 
come  from  the  government  of  the  Union,  or  would  be  made  by  the 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


93 


State.  But  there  are  private  interests  in  piers,  wharves,  and 
water  grants,  heretofore  made  for  very  small  consideration;  these 
might  either  be^purchased  by  the  corporation,  or  an  agreement  en- 
tered into,  establishing  the  terras  on  which  they  should  remain 
private  property,  (as  was  done  by  the  corporation  of  Liverpool, 
120  years  ago.)  In  this  case  such  adjustment  should  be  made  as 
to  be  satisfactory  to  all  parties. 

Should  some  be  found,  however,  who  should,  against  the  ^great 
interest  of  this  city,  refuse  to  yield  to  this  dictate  of  reason,  pat- 
riotism, and  enterprise,  it  cannot  be  forgotten  that  both  the  con- 
stitution and  laws  authorize  the  city  to  take  possession  of  them 
for  public  use,  on  paying  therefor  a  fair  equivalent. 

And,  as  if  to  provide  for  this  very  case,  in  the  statute  passed 
April  9,  1813,  and  sections  219,  220,  221,  222,  (page  800  of  the 
collection  concerning  New  York,)  it  is  expressly  provided:  '*That 
it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  mayor,  aldermen,  and  commonalty  of  the 
said  city  in  common  council  convened,  to  lay  ^out  wharves  and 
slips  in  the  said  city,  whenever  and  wherever  they  shall  deem  it 
expedient;  and  may  take  ground  belonging  to  individuals  for  these 
purposes  on  paying  damages  to  be  assessed."  And  what  also 
fully  meets  the  case  now  contemplated,  it  is  enacted  by  the  224th 
section  of  the  same  statute,  that  ''it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  cor- 
poration to  direct  piers  to  be  sunk  and  completed,  at  such  distance 
and  in  such  manner  as  they  in  their  discretion  shall  think  proper, 
in  front  of  the  said  streets  or  wharves  so  adjoining  or  extending 
along  the  said  rivers,  and  the  said  piers  to  be  connected  with  the 
said  streets,  by  wharves,  Vridges,  &c.,  lying  opposite  to  the  place 
where  such  piers  shall  be  directed  to  be  sunk,  and  by  such  days 
and  times  as  the  said  mayor,  &c.,  may  for  that  purpose  appoint, 
and  on  default  by  such  proprietors  the  corporation  may  make  such 
piers,  and  take  the  profit  or  may  grant  such  right  to  any  other 
person."  And  by  the  228th  section  of  the  same  statute,  it  is  also 
enacted  that  '4t  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  corporation,  at 
their  own  expense,  to  cause  such  and  so  many  public  basins  to  be 
formed  and  completed  in  the  said  city,  as  they  may  deem  neces- 
sary for  the  trade  thereof,  and  to  take  for  their  own  use  the  slip- 
age  or  wharfage  arising  from  the  same,  any  law,  usage,  or  custom, 
to  the  contrary  notwithstanding."  Not,  however,  to  infringe  on 
private  rights. 

The  following  statement  of  facts  has  been  noticed  by  the  com- 
mittee, and  they  are  of  opinion  that  the  same  may  be  useful  and 
important,  when  the  common  council  shall  have  under  considera- 
tion the  future  destiny  of  New  York.  This  account  of  the  coun- 
tries of  the  globe,  and  the  kind  of  government  and  the  population 
of  ejch  of  them,  is  taken  from  sources  that  cannot  be  questioned. 
It  will  be  matter  of  reference  of  some  moment,  while  shewing  the 
prospects  of  our  city,  arising  from  her  intercourse  with  other  na- 
tions, at  a  future  time. 

Population  of  the  world,  (McGregor,)  822,553,712,  being  of  the 
following  complexions: 


94 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Whites   440,000,000 

Copper  colored   15,000,000 

Mulaltoes  ,  .  230,000,000 

Blacks   120,000,000 

Hassell  deemed  the  world's  population  to  be  936)461,000,  pro- 
fessing the  following  religions: 

Christians   252,600,000 

Jews                                  :   5,000,000 

Mahometans   120,105,000 

Braminists   140,000,000 

Buddists   313,977.000 

Other  denominations   134,490^000 

Malte  Brun  makes  Europe  to  contain   213,000,000 

Balbi  states  Asia   413,844,300 

Sundry  authors  consulted  for  America   46,492,000 

Australia  and  Oceanica   14,487,000 

Sundry  other  authors  consulted  for  Africa   124,730,412 

Government  of  the  principal  nations  and  their  population. 

Countries.  Government.  Population. 

Great  Britain...  Limited  monarchy   25,600,000 

Holland                                       do    3,633,000 

Switzerland  Republic   2,090,000 

France  Limited  monarchy   34,000,000 

Spain  Monarchy   14,400,000 

Portugal                                  do    3,800,000 

Russia  in  Europe  Despotic  monarchy   42,000,000 

Do.    in  Asia                                do    3,440,000 

Egypt  Despotic   4,000,000 

Denmark  Despotic  monarchy.,   2,000,000 

Prussia                                          do    15,000,000 

Saxony                                          do    1,500,000 

Hanover  Limited  monarchy,  (King 

of  Great  Britain,)   1,600,000 

Turkey  in  Asia  Despotic,  (Sultan,)   11,500,000 

Do.    in  Europe                   do           do    10,000,000 

Arabia  Despotic  chiefs   11,500,000 

Tartary                                       do    10,000,000 

China  Despotic  monarchy,  (Em- 
peror,)   170,000,000 

Japan   Despotic  monarchy ...... .  25,000,000 

British  India,  Hindostan,  , 

&c.,  &c.  Limited    monarchy,  (East  1 

India  Comoany  andKing 

of  Great  Britain,)   140,352,000 

Austria  Despotic  monarchy   34 ',500,000 

Asiatic  Isles                                  do    20,000,000 

Bavaria.                                         dt)    4,400,000  i 

Sweden  and  Norway  Limited  monarchy   5,000,000 

United  States  Republic   16,680,000 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57 


95 


Italy  ,  Despotic  monarchy  and  the 

Pope    10,000,000 

Persia  Despotic  monarchy   9,000,000 

Belgium  Limited  monarchy    4,500,000 

Mexico   Republic   8,500,000 

Columbia                               do    3,400,000 

Bolivia                                 do    1,500,000 

Guatemala                              do   2,000,000 

Peru                                      do    2,000,000 

Chili                                     do    1,700,000 

Brazil  Despotic  monarchy   5,500,000 

Hayti   Republic   810,000 

Independent  Indians  By  chiefs   1,500,000 

English  possessions  in  A- 

merica  and  islands  Limited  monarchy   3,100,000 

French  do                                   do    240,000 

Spanish  do  Despotic  monarchy.......  1,100,000 

Dutch  possessions,  do  ...  .Limited  monarchy   140,000 

Danish  do  Despotic  monarchy.......  110,000 

Russia  do                                       do    50,000 

Swedish  do    -  Limited  monarchy   16,000 

Dutch  islands  in  Oceanica 

and  the  East                            do    9,360,000 

Spanish  do....,  Despotic  monarchy   2,640,000 

New  South  Wales  Limited  monarchy,  (Great 

Britain,)   500,000 

Cape  of  Good   Hope  and 

other  African  colonies.  .Limited  monarchy,  (Great 

Britain,)   1,200,000 

Annam,  (Asia,)  Despotic   14,000,000 

Siam                                      do    3,00u,000 

Birmah  Despotic,  but  tributary  to 

Gxeat  Britain   3,500,000 

Ceylon,  (Island,).,  Limited  monarchy,  (Great 

Britain,)   1,000,000 

Singia  .Despotic  monarchy   4,000,000 

Nepaul  Despotic,  but  tributary  to 

Great  Britain   2,500,000 

Leikhs  Monarchical  confederacy..  5,500,000 

Sindhy  . .        do                do        ..  1,000,000 

Cabaul  Despotic  monarchy   6,500,000 

Belonches  Confederacy   2,000,000 

Herat,  (East  Khorrisoan,). Despotic  monarchy   1.500,000 

Boucharia  Despotic,  (Khan,)   2,500,000 

Khokan                                  do          do    l',  000,000 

Yemen                                   do        (Iman,)   2,500,000 

Portuguese  Asia  Despotic  monarchy.   500,000 

French         do   Limited  monarchy   179,000 

Bohemia  Despotic   3,100,000 

Bavaria                                 do    4,238,205 


96 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Ionian  Islands  Limited  monarchy,  (Great 

Britain,)   200,000 

Greece  Limited  monarchy   2,200,000 

TViihpt   •  •  Absolute  monarchy,  (Grand 

Lama,)   30,000,000 

It  is  to  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  government  of  the  United 
States  owes  nothing,  and  is  becoming  rich  in  its  treasury  and 
throughout  its  entire  limits,  not  by  great  exactions  nor  heavy  bur- 
dens of  any  sort,  but  by  a  small  charge  upon  immense  transactions. 
The  States  owe  but  little— many  of  them  nothing;  and  the  State  of 
New  York  already  supports  its  government  without  taxation,  by 
taking  the  means  so  to  do  from  the  surplus  of  the  profits  on  its  in- 
ternal improvements.  Compare  this  happy  condition  of  our  coun- 
try with  that  of  some  of  the  principal  powers  of  Europe,  above 
mentioned: 

In  Great  Britain. 

National  debt  ^'CSS 

Yearly  revenue   228,849,600 

Population,  (to   say  nothing  of  cole- 

nies,)  ■  •   25,00U,0UU 

Army  in  peace,  men   oTo'qno 

Do    in  war,      do   37b, d7U 

Navy  in  peace,  610  ships. 

Do    in  war,  1,056  do. 

Russia. 

National  debt  1^00  000  OOO 

Yearly  revenue   u^^^^^^ 

Population,  (Europe  and  Asia,)  ^^'^An'n^ 

Army  in  peace,  men   l  lJS'SS 

Do    in  war,      do   1,1UU,UUU 

Navy,  about  140  ships,  and  fast  increasing. 

France. 

National  debt   ^L'C^^^ 

Yearly  revenue   157,760,000 

Population   34,000,000 

Army  in  peace,  men   o o n  W 

Do    in  war,  do   

Navy  in  peace,  329  ships. 

Do    in  war,     354  do. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


ST 


Jlustria. 

National  debt   $200,000,000 

Yearly  revenue   52,000,000 

Population  :   34,500,000 

Army  in  peace,  men   271,404 

do     in  war,      do    750,504 

Navy,  72  ships. 

Prussia. 

Kational  debt   $114,840,440 

Yearl>  revenue  ,   30,477,000 

Population   15,000,000 

Army  in  peace,  men   .  165,000 

do     in  war,       do    524,428 

Ships,  under  20. 

Turkey. 

National  debt   $36,000,000 

Yearly  revenue   11,200,000 

Population,  (Europe  and  Asia,)   21,000,000 

Army  in  peace,  men     80,000 

<do     in  war,      do   200,000 

Navy  in  peace,  80  rhips. 

do     in  war,    160  do.. 


With  these  debts  against  them,  these  countries  project  and  carry 
forward  many  important  and  magnificent  improvements. 

In  trie  next  place,  that  the  idea  is  seriously  entertained  of  ship 
navigation  with  the  northern  and  western  lakes  and  the  x\tlantic 
I  ocean,  by  the  enlargement  of  some  portions  of  our  present  canals,- 
I  as  also  by  a  ship  canal  around  the  falls  of  Niagara,  on  the  east 
side,  and  using  for  this  great  object  certain  small  lakes  and  other 
waters  in  the  line.       This  is  the  same  idta  once  so  enthusiastically 
entertained  by  the  late  governor  Morris,  when  he  said  there  would 
one  day  be  trains  of  vessels  from  London  to  Lake  Erie.''  The 
route  is  stated  to  have  been  carefully  surveyed  by  an  able  engineer, 
and  found  to   be   entirely  practicable,  and   it  is  urged,  and  with 
I  great  force,  '4hat  from  the  stupendous  increase  in  the  resources  of 
the  western  States,  other  channels  of  commerce  of  a  more  perfect 
and  ample  kind  than  the  present  will  be  needed  for  the  interchano-e 
of  their  staple  and  the  merchandise  of  the  east.''    On  this  subject 
the  following  remarks  from   the  Globe,  published  in   the  city  o§ 
1  Washington,  are  deemed  highly  appropriate  and  worthy  here  of 
very  particular  consideration,  while  deciding  upon  the  probable 
business  of  our  city  in  future  years. 

Great  canal  from,  the  lakes  to  the  fitlan'ic. — We  observe  that 
1  a  grand   project  is   agitated  in  the  State  of  New  Yok  for  uniting 
I  the  waters  of  the  great  western  lakes  with  lho:e  of  the  Atlantic' 
7 


98 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


hv  shin  and  sailboat  canal,  adapted  to  vessels  of  large  bnrden. 
tL  P  an  is  to  mprove  the  navigation  of  the  Oswego  and  Oned.a 
ri  -ers  and  Onedia^ake.and  extend  a  d«^;P  ^nd  vv.de  cana  from  the 

atte  to  the  valley  of  the  Mohasvk  at  Utica;  and  from  that  point 
to  t"ke  the  channel  of  the  river,  or  construct  a  large  canal  along 

ts  valley  to  the  tide  ^vaters  of  the  Hudson.  From  Oswego  to 
Utica  about  half  the  distance,  the  route  has  been  surveyed,  and  s 
^a  rt^  Sd  remarkable  facilities,  being  ^'r-^J,  ^       ^"oO  o'oO  o 

eisl'irt^u'ticf. r^^t^^rl^^rte  fs:Sd\fffle. 

Srit"or:rpr  :fi;:  -T^e  ^:i^'^f:pi^!^^ 
E9pLs\tTour-:o:iti:;g?rX^^L^^ 

two  thousand  °  les  into  the  heart  of  a  fertile  country,  open  to  ves- 
sels tharnavigate  the  Atlantic  seaboard,  would  g.ve  an  impulse  to 
the  general  prosperity  of  the  Union,  which  would  not  cease  to  be 
felt  so"ong  as  agVicullure  and  commerce  engross  its  energies 

That  ?t  is  also  in  contemplation  to  connect  Cayuga  lake  with 
lake  Ontario  by  a  ship  canal;  and  it  is  admitted  that  the  time  can- 
^  k1  vMv  distant  when  the  Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario  will  be  ac- 
ulllv  unYte'd  by  a  ship  canal  around  the  falls  of  Niagara  on  the 
A  ^vln  tide  This  has,  to  a  considerable  extent,  already  been 
toTe  by  the  W^nln  canal'  on  the  English  side  of.  the  same  nver, 
Ihich  is  about  to  become  the  property  of  the  British  ^ov^H^^^  ' 
Some  circumstances  lately  made  known  must  further  animate 
our  citizens  in  their  wishes  for  these  preparations. 

t  appears  bevond  doubt,  notwithstanding  the  obstacles  hereto- 
c  thrown  in  the  way  bv  the  East  India  company,  that  ultimate 
res/wm  attend  the' efforts  of  a  powerful  combination  of  British 
merchants  to  establish  a  steam  communication  with  Indi  ,  by  the 
•  wav  of  Ecrypt.  By  looking  over  the  map  of  Asia,  it  will  be  seeu 
rt  onceTha?no  human  intellect  can  span  or  estimate  the  signally 
Advantageous  consequences  which  this  achievement  would  produce 
to  the  commercial  cities  of  Europe,  and  to  the  commerce  and  other 

"^hlToVsLrt^nTu^'^LmMT  a^dSions  annually  to  the  wha^. 

~i-f:!t::^  mi:',?nfc7s-t,  J^^^-^ 

8  2        000,  and  are  rs-imated  to  be  worth,  when  their  voyages  ar 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


99 


The  following  statement,  too,  is  worthy  of  being  added  to  the 
foregoing  facts: 

^^A  letter  dated  Bogota,  and  addressed  to  the  editor  of  the  Penn- 
sylvanian,  says:  ''By  reference  to  the  map  of  Colombia,  you  will 
perceive  a  town  called  Chagres,  at  the  mouth  of  a  river  of  the  same 
name,  emptying  into  the  Atlantic  ocean,  in  the  latitude  of  about 
nine  degrees  north;  from  that  place  to  Cruses,  by  the  various  wind- 
ings in  the  river,  is  forty-three  miles.  This  river  is  navigable  at 
all  seasons  of  the  year,  for  steamboats  drawing  six  feet  of  water^ 
and  as  the  current  does  not  exceed  tnree  miles  per  hour,  the  trip 
could  be  performed  in  five  hours.  From  Cruses  to  Panama  is  fif« 
teen  miles,  as  easily  improved  by  railroad  as  that  from  Pniladel- 
phia  to  iSorristown.  Th"S,  there  can  be  secured  a  s.afe  conveyance 
from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  ocean  in  six  hours. 

''The  bread'  stuffs,  provisions  and  manu^factures  of  the  United 
States  will  find  a  ready  market  in  the  Pacific,  twenty  days  after 
leaving  our  ports,  instead  of  being  exposed  to  a  voyage  of  three 
months  around  Cape  Horn,  during  which  the  flour  and  provisions 
are  frequently  damaged,  by  being  so  long,  confined  in  the  holds  of 
vessels  in  these  warm  climates. 

"Our  whale  ships  in  the  Pacific  will  be  enabled  to  transmit 
promptly  to  the  United  States  any  quantity  of  oil,  however  small, 
instead  of  being  detained  for  years,  accumulating  a  stock  suflicient 
to  justify  a  voyage  around  the  cape. 

"The  provisions,  naval  stores,  and  seamen,  for  our  national  and 
■<  private  ships,  will  find  a  cheap  and  profitable  conveyance  across 
the  isthmus,  and  the  slightest  indication  of  an  European  war  could 
be  communicated  to  our  Pacific  squadron  in  twenty  days  from 
Washington  city." 

And  it  has  been  several  times  in  contemplation  to  connect  the 
Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans  by  means  of  a  ship  canal  across  the 
isthmus  of  Darien.  It  can  be  done,  and  we  cannot  doubt  that  it 
-will  be  done.  It  is  said,  indeed,  that  the  Pacific  ocean  is  higher 
than  the  Atlantic.  Suppose  this  is  true,  it  will  be  as  easy  to  lead 
the  waters  of  the  Pacific  into  the  Atlantic  by  canal,  with  suitable 
locks  at  proper  distances,  as  to  contrive  and  build  a  safe,  useful, 
«nd  permanent  ship  canal  from  Lake  Erie  into  Lake  Ontario. 
Whoever  doubts  the  former,  should  doubt  the  latter;  but  the  latter 
no  one  does  or  can  doubt  for  a  moment.  But  presuming  there 
should  be  any  considerable  delay  in  the  commencement  or  comple- 
tion of  the  canal  across  the  isthmus,  it  is  rendered  already  certain 
that  the  two  oceans  will  soon  be  reached  in  many  places  by  supe- 
rior railroads  and  McAdamized  avenues.  By  these  and  similar  ad- 
Tentures,  the  eastern  isles  and  all  that  golden  eastern  shore  of 
Asia,  together  with  all  of  western  America,  will  be  brought  within 
a  very  tew  days  time  of  transit  to  New  York.  Asia  has  always 
been  the  gar<len  of  the  world.  It  is  admitted  that  its  cultivators 
have  not  always  been  wise  men;  but  rich  harvests  may  there  be 
gathered  by  American  intrepidity,  capital  and  enterprize.  It  is 
known  to  all  that  the  Pacific  is  much  more  safe  for  steamboat  nav- 
igation than  the  Atlantic,  and  when  steam  navigation  shall  have 


100 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


l)een  there  generally  ami  fearlessly  distributed  and  patronized,  and 
eastern  Asia,  and  indeed  all  Asia  interchange  her  commodities  with 
•western  America,  it  will  be  found  that  new,  vast  and  countless  mil- 
lions of  business  and  of  profits  will  thus  be  given  to  our  ciiy. 

The  committee,  before  leavinji;  the  subject  of  steam  power,  will 
mention  a  few  particulars  that  have  lately  been  laid  before  the 
country. 

The  first  of  the  series  of  steam  vessels  for  the  American  and 
Colonial  Steam  Navigation  Company,  under  the  management  of  the 
directors  of  the  Dubiin  Steam  Company,  has  been  laid  down  in  the 
present  week,  by  the  Messrs.  Wilson,  Clarence  dock.  This  vessel 
will  be  of  the  burthen  of  1,2C0  tons,  with  engines  of  400  horse 
power,  by  Fawcett  and  Co.'' — Liverpool  paper,  July  16. 

Messrs.  Stephenson  and  Co  ,  of  JS^ewcastle,  are  constructing  a 
locomotive  engine  for  tJtie  Emperor  of  Russia,  the  speed  of  which 
is  warranted  to  be  forty  miles  an  hour.  The  railway  is  six  feet 
wide,  and  the  w^heels  of  the  locomotive  are  six  feet  in  diameter. 

It  is  believed  that  Avery -s  rotary  steam  engines  will  propel  rail- 
road locomotives  at  the  rate  of  fifty  miles  per  hour,  as  easily  as  the 
existing  ones  do  half  the  distance. 

The  Swallow  has  made  a  trip  from  New  York  to  Albany  in  eight 
hours  and  forty-two  minutes,  and  other  boats  can  do  the  same;  and 
a  locomotive  has  already  been  constructed  w^hich  performed  eleven 
miles  in  eleven  minutes;  and  steamboats,  loaded  Avith  freight  and 
passengers,  do  occasionally  go  from  New  York  to  iMbany  in  eight 
and  even  seven  hours.  What  can  be  done  once  in  this  matter  can 
be  done  at  all  times  by  proper  preparation  and  care.  And  it  must 
he  allowed  that  in  a  few  years  boats  will  pass  from  New  York  to 
Albany  in  four  or  five  hours,  without  stopping  by  the  way. 

The  extension  of  steam  power,  too,  is  matter  of  daily  occurrence. 
We  are  informed  that  in  Lincolnshire,  in  England,  a  steam  plough 
lias  been  put  in  use,  which  harrows  thirty  acres  and  ploughs  eight 
acres  per  day.  It  may  also  be  applied  with  the  greatest  advantage 
to  the  silk  loom,  which  has  heretofore  been  worked  by  hand  only. 
And  in  the  preparation  of  v%'ooden  blocks  for  pavements  a  steam 
saw  mill  has  been  put  in  operation  in  one  of  our  cities;  r.nd  it  is  a 
thing  of  common  belief,  that  as  soon  as  cheapness  will  allow  com- 
mon roads  to  be  McAdamized  or  paved  with  wood,  further  experi- 
ments and  discoveries  will  enable  us  to  traverse  them  by  steam; 
-without  the  use  of  rails. 

A  favorable  opinion  of  the  promising  growth  of  our  country  has 
found  place  in  the  minds  of  statesmen  of  other  countries*.  This 
fact  may  be  fairly  inferred  from  some  remarks  found  in  a  late  Eng- 
lish paper,  over  the  signature  of  Russia,  by  a  Manchester  manu- 
facturer."   They  were  as  follows: 

■•Since  the  publication  of  England,  Ireland  and  America,  the 
author  has  had  an  opportunity  of  visiting  the  United  States,  and 
of  ta-king  a  hasty  glance  of  the  American  people;  and  his  occular 
experience  of  the  country  has  confirmed  him  in  the  views  he  put 
forth  in  that  pamphlet.    Looking  to  the  natural  endowments  of  the 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


101 


North  American  continents,  as  superior  to  Europe  as  the  latter  is 
to  Africa,  with  an  almost  immeasurable  extent  of  river  navigation; 
ts  boundless  expanse  of  the  most  fertile  soil  in  the  world,  and  its 
lexhaustible  mines  of  coal,  iron,  lead,  &.c.  Looking  at  these,  and 
eniembering  the  quality  and  position  of  a  people  universally  in- 
.  ti  ucted  and  perfectly  free,  and  possessing,  as  a  consequence  of 
these,  a  new-born  energy  and  vitality  very  far  surpassing  the  char- 
acter of  any  nation  of  the  old  world,  the  writer  reiterates  the  moral 
of  his  former  work,  by  declaring  his  conviction  that  it  is  from  the 
west,  rather  than  the  east,  that  danger  to  the  supremacy  of  Great 
Britain  is  to  be  apprehended;  that  is  from  the  peaceful  and  silent 
rivalry  of  American  commerce,  the  growth  of  its  manufactures,  its 
rapid  progress  in  internal  improvements,  the  superior  education  of 
its  people,  and  their  economical  and  pacific  government;  that  it  is 
from  these,  and  not  from  the  barbarous  policy,  or  the  impoverish- 
ing armaments  of  Russia,  that  the  grandeur  of  our  commercial  and 
national  prosperity  is  endangered.  And  the  writer  stakes  his  repu- 
tation upon  the  prediction,  that  in  less  than  twenty  years  this  will 
be  the  sentiment  of  the  people  of  England  generally,  and  that  the 
same  "conviction  will  be  forced  upon  the  government  of  the  coun- 
try.*' This  is  also  the  language  of  other  English  writers.  And  it 
must  be  confessed  that  there  is  a  singular  coincidence  between  the 
opinions  of  this  distant  foreigner  and  those  of  our  lamented 
President  Madison.  During  the  last  hours  of  that  eminent  patriot, 
he  is  reported  to  have  said,  that  We  shall  ere  long  be  at  the  head 
of  the  commercial  world,  then  we  will  put  the  laws  on  a  liberal 
footing,  and  commerce  will  take  a  bound  equalled  only  by  our 
eagie's  flight  of  liberty.  It  will  be  by  insisting  successfully,  that 
free  ships  shall  make  free  goods.  This  will  prevent  war."  Mr^ 
Madison  added,  There  are  many  reasons  for  our  advancing  and 
England's  conceding  this  rule  now,  because  in  .twenty  years  (ac- 
cording to  his  calculation)  our  commerce  v/ill  be  greater  than  hers. 
All  the  rest  of  the  civilized  '  world  will  second  us.  We  shall  put 
ourselves  at  their  head,  establishing  a  principle  which  England 
must  concede,  and  that  principle  is  the  pledge  of  perrnanent  mari- 
time peace  and  unlimited  commercial  prosperity." 

Two  circumstances  of  importance  lately  made  public  can  here  be 
adduced  to  encourage  the  early  adoption  of  this  project. 

The  first  is,  that  a  sure  and  infallible  mode  of  saturating  timber 
has  been  actually  discovered  in  England,  and  brought  to  this  coun- 
try, by  one  or  the  most  respectable  captains  of  one  of  our  packet 
lines.  This  will  be  of  incalculable  benefit  in  the  erection  of  our 
connecting  wharves.  The  process  renders  the  timbers  impervious 
to  worms,  and  prevents  their  injury  by  water;  thus  yielding  pre- 
eminent services  to  the  city  in  all  its  wooden  aquatic  structures. 

2d.  Assurances  are  given  by  talented  gentlemen,  having  both 
intention  and  ability  to  execute,  that  after  the  ensuing  winter,  they 
will,  during  every  winter,  keep  open  the  Hudson  river  by  means  of 
an  ice  boat.  This  boat  they  propose  to  use  for  freight  and  passen- 
gers, and  to  so  contrive  and  place  certain  machinery  about  the 
fcow  of  the  vessel  as  to  cut  to  pieces  all  the  ice  that  would  impede 


102 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


her  passage,  and  at  the  same  time  to  advance  through  the  ice,  during- 
the  most  of  the  season,  five  miles  per  h©ur.  The  committee  have 
Lad  an  interview  with  the  ingenious  projector,  and  have  full  con- 
fidence in  the  eventual  success  of  his  undertaking;  and  if  this  should 
be  done  for  New  York,  the  same  will  be  done  for  other  commercial 
cities  of  this  country,  and  finally  of  this  continent  and  the  world. 
Our  country  and  internal  trade  generally  would  then  be  continued 
throughout  the  entire  year;  the  city  would  be  found  to  have  com- 
menced on  a  new  era.  Our  markets  oi  every  description  would  be. 
constantly  supplied  through  the  winter,  direct  from  the  country^ 
•with  all  the  important  necessaries  of  life,  and  it  is  but  reasonable 
to  hope,  at  much  lower  prices  than  those  now  demanded.  It  would 
most  assuredly  open  brighter  prospects  for  our  interesting  city. 

And  we  may  expect  many  other  important,  interesting  and  valu- 
able discoveries,  which,  could  they  be  .now  stated,  might  not  be 
credited.  It  has  been  well  and  truly  ob.?erved  that  ^'many  hidden 
powers  of  nature  are  still  to  be  revealed.'^  It  is  too  late  to  believe^, 
that  those  who  know  the  march  of  discoveries,  the  powers  of  ge- 
nius, and  that  invention  never  sleeps  nor  tires,  will  start  with  sur- 
prise when  told  that  within  a  few  years  there  will  be  a  ship  canal 
from  Oswego  to  the  Hudson  river;  that  all  our  canal  boats  will 
be  propelled  by  steam,  and  that  many  of  them  will  be  built  of  iron,, 
as  well  as  steam  vessels.  Nor  will  those  who  look  over  the  map 
of  the  world  doubt  that  the  time  is  rapidly  approaching  when  all 
Asia,  as  well  as  Europe  and  America,  impelled  by  a  common  sen- 
timent, will  be  filled  with  the  same  results  of  advancement  in  arts, 
and  sciences;  and  that  steamboats,  railroads,  canals,  and  all  the 
most  valuable  discoveries  and  inventions  of  modern  times  will  be 
spread  throughout  the  rich,  varied  and  interesting  countries  of  the 
entire  globe. 

A  few  circumstances  concerning  the  past  will  show  how  rapid 
and  how  great  is  to  be  the  growth  and  power  of  the  western  StateSj, 
and  how  rich  a  harvest  New  York  will  and  must  gather  from  them. 

Our  northern  and  western  canals  were  not  completed  until  about, 
ten  or  eleven  years  ago.  Some  years  elapsed  before  the  naviga- 
tion of  them  was  well  understood  and  properly  appreciated  and  en- 
couraged. Now  40,000  boats  arrive  and  clear  ia  one  year  at  the 
Hudson  river.  A  very  few  years  since  Oswego,  on  Lake  Ontario, 
bad  scarcely  any  commerce  whatever;  now,  behold  what  an  aston- 
ishing amount  of  commercial  business  was  actually  done  there  in. 
the  short  space  of  six  successive  months  in  1835. 

Oswego. — Report  of  transactions  at  the  custom-house,  port  of 
Oswego,  New  York,  from  the  1st  of  April  to  the  1st  of  November,. 
1835: 

Tons. 

American  vessels  entered  from  foreign  countries   29,871 

American  vessels  entered  from  ports  of  the  United  States. .  58, 170 
J'oreign  vessels  entered  from  foreign  ports   65,208 


Total  amount  of  tonnage  entered 


153,249 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


103 


Tons. 

American  vessels  cleared  for  ports  of  the  United  States. 62,021 

American  vessels  cleared  for  foreign  ports   25,873 

Foreign  vessels  cleared  for  foreign  ports   65,016 

152,910 

Total  foreign  and  domestic  entries  and  clearances   306,159 

Amount  of  duties  collected  $35,649  62 

And  the  following  is  a  sample  of  what  will  be  often  realized  on 
both  sides  of  the  Mississippi: 

In  1790,  the  inhabitants  resifiing  in  the  territory  which  now  com- 
prises the  counties  of  Ontario,  Steuben,  Yates,  Allegany,  Catta- 
ragus,  -Chautauque,  Erie,  Genesee,  Livingston,  Niagara,  Orleans, 
Monroe,  and  part  of  Wayne,  was  105  families,  being  in  all  1,081 
souls.  The  population  of  the  same  territory  exhibited  by  the  cen- 
sus of  1835  was  487,040,  and  now  exceeds  500,000. 

And  to  show  what  will  often  be  true  of  the  mighty  west  in  the 
building  of  cities,  we  will  give  one  out  of  a  large  number  of  simi- 
lar prosperous  towns  in  the  very  territory  above  alluded  to. 

In  1812,  Buffalo  was  a  very  small  village,  and  sometime  in  that 
year  was  wholly  burnt  by  the  British  army,  excepting  only  one 
house^  there  was  not  a  good  road  from  any  place  to  Lake  Erie;  no 
shipping  at  Buffdlo;  and  even  as  late  as  1831  the  population  did 
not  exceed  5,000,  now  it  is  more  than  26,000.  It  is  a  busy,  thriving, 
rich,  prosperous  city,  crowded  with  ships,  steamboats,  and  a  rapidly 
increasing  commerce,  and  a  people  that  would  do  honor  to  any 
country. 

Our  whole  Union  is  soon  to  be  thoroughly  examined  by  geolo- 
gists. Its  numerous  treasures,  yet  unknown,  will  be  ascertained 
and  examined.  We  have  already  seen  that  we  have  extensive 
mines  of  gold,  silver,  iron,  lead,  copper,  and  coal.  The  committee 
need  scarcely  mention  the  gTeat  sum  of  the  business,  and  the  wealth 
and  blessings  that  will  soon  be  poured  into  the  lap  of  this  country 
and  this  city  from  many  of  them;  and  not  intending  to  undervalue 
or  to  depreciate  others,  they  will,  in  order  to  show  how  quickly 
and  how  greatly  each  discovery  enriches  our  country,  set  down 
here  the  following  abstract  of  a  table  attached  to  the  report  made 
by  Mr.  Packer  to  the  Senate  of  Pennsylvania,  of  the  4th  of  March, 
1834: 

Anthracite  coal  mined  and  hrought  to  market  in  each  year ^  from  the 
commencement  of  the  business  in  1820  to  the  year  1833,  inclu- 
sive: 

Years.  Lehigh.         Schuylkill.     Lackawana.  Total. 

1820   365   •  365 

1821   1^073    1,073 

1822   2,240    2,240 

1823   5,823    5,823 

1824   9,541    9,5^1 


104 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Years.  Lehigh.  Schuylkill.  Lackawana,  Total. 

1825                               28,393  6,306    33,699 

1826   31,280  16,835    48,115 

1827   32,074  29,493    61,567 

1828   30,232  47,181    77,413 

1829   25,110  78,293  7,000  110,403 

1830   41,750  89,984  42,000  173, "/Si 

1831   40,966  81,854  54,000  176,820 

1832   75,000  209,271  84,500  368,771 

1833                              123,000  250,588  111,777  485,365 

And  7,503  boats  have  left  the  Schuylkill  coal  region  this  season, 
1836,  \yith  355,365  tons  of  coals. 

Again,  the  rapid  accessions  to  the  number  of  American  vessels, 
as  well  as  to  foreign  shipping,  must  give,  and  does  yearly  give, 
more  numerous  and  more  earnest  demands  for  a  great  number  of 
berths  beyond  what  we  now  have  or  can  have  upon  the  past  mode 
of  providing  them. 

In  1832,  the  cost  of  ships  built  in  England  alone  was  $5,000,000; 
and  it  appears  from  the  report  made  by  the  Committee  of  the  House 
of  Commons  upon  trade  in  1833,  that  the  peculiar  facilities  afforded 
by  means  of  docks,  cranes  and  other  devices  for  the  loading  and 
unloading  of  ships,  the  eriiployment  of  steam  tugs  to  bring  them 
quickly  to  their  moorings  and  to  take  them  to  sea,  and  the  greater 
economy  and  despatch  that  then  pervaded  every  department  of  the 
•  business,  three  ships  were  then  able  to  perform,  and  did  in  fact 
perform,  as  much  work  as  was  done  by  four  at  the  end  of  the  war, 
and  that  there  had  in  that  way  been  a  virtual  addition  of  400,000 
or  500,000  tons  to  the  mercantile  navy  of  England. 

It  cannot  be  doubted  that  facilities  for  ship  building  are  far 
greater  in  the  United  States  than  in  England.  This  country,  in- 
deed, is  in  want  of  nothing  that  belongs  to  that  business.  We 
have  all  within  our  borders  and  in  abundance.  And  to  prove  that 
this  branch  of  our  country's  power  is  not  neglected,  ihe  commit- 
tee will  introduce  the  following  official  statement; 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


105v 


Statement  showing  the  number  and  class  of  vessels  huilt^  and  the 
tonnage  thereof,  in  each  State  and  Territory  of  the  United  States^ 
for  the  year  ending  the  31st  day  of  December^  1834=. 


Maine  

New  Hampshire..... 

Massachusetts  

Rhode  Island  

Connecticut  

New  York.  

New  Jersey  

Pennsylvania  

Delaware  

Maryland  

District  of  Columbia. 

Virginia  

Ohio  

North  Carolina  

South  Carolina  

Georgia  

Tennessee  

Alabama  

Louisiana  , 

Mississippi  

Michigan  

Florida  


Total 


CLASS  OF  VESSELS. 


32 
5 

33 
3 


16 


44 
1 

23 
3 
4 
2 
1 
4 


8 


98  94 


93 
3 

115 
1 
14 
40 
38 
5 
8 
115 
1 
20 
9 
14 
3 


497 


9 
6 
16 
56 
35 
11 
8 
5 


2 

8 

31 


2 
2S 
> .  •  < 
1 
3 
1 


6  r*6 


180  J  88 


2  % 

s 


Total  tonnage. 


174 
9 

180 
13 
36  i 
122  ' 
74 
63 
16 
132 

4 
28 
38 
20 

5 

3 

IJ 

8 
20 

1 
17 

3 


Tons-95ths. 

28,505-30 
2.8S6-75 
24 ',805-25 
1,995-64 
3,578-07 
18,295-48 
5,268-71 
6,691-50 
1,045-23 
10,452-85 
1,053-55 
2,500-20 
4,369-02 
1,436-19 
471-03 
377-21 
480-00 
789-78 
1,594-68 
20-60 
1,603-^.3 
99^15 


957 


118,330,37 


Treasury  Department, 

Register's  Office^  May  7,  1836. 

The  art  of  ship  building  is  to  be  continued  in  full  operation  here 
and  elsewhere,  and  cannot  fail  to  afford  a  strong  argument  in  favor 
of  piers  and  basins  in  our  waters. 

The  various  canals  and  railroads,  and  other  facilities  for  com- 
municating with  this  metropolis,  are  covered  with  active  and  pro- 
fitable business  in  every  direction;  and  those  using  them  already 


106 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


loudly  complain  that  they  are  too  few  and  too  small  for  the  daily 
growing  trade  of  the  country  and  of  this  city. 

A  great  increase  in  the  number  and  size  of  them  is  contemplated 
in  every  section  of  the  Union.  At  very  low,  and  indeed  almost 
nominal  charges,  the  income  for  tolls  in  most  cases  is  enormous; 
and  if  it  be  true  that  at  no  distant  day  New  York  shall  be  united 
with  all  the  present  and  future  States  and  cities  of  this  continent 
by  internal  improvements,  as  she  now  is  with  the  rest  of  the  world 
by  the  traversed  seas  and  oceans  and  rivers;  the  richness,  extent, 
and  variety  of  our  mineral  regions  once  developed;  new  States, 
new  cities,  and  new  inventions  within  the  vast  regions  now  rising 
into  beauty,  strength,  and  splendor,  in  the  great  and  fertile  regions 
of  our  western  country,  will  inevitably  offer  to  this  city  a  sure  ad- 
dition to  her  business  and  commerce  and  capital. 

The  population  now  covering  those  rich  domains  are  an  intelli- 
gent, healthy,  and  educated  people;  able,  capable,  and  faithful. 
It  is  already  called  the  Paradise  of  the  West.  Who  has  ever 
found  such  land  to  support;  such  convenient  transport,  and  such' 
resistless  greatness  gathering  as  there?  What  their  rich  and  easy 
soil  gives  we  shall  want,  and  we  can  have  it;  they  will  give  them 
to  u-s  for  our  merchandise;  and  to  the  muscle  and  industry  of  thpse 
regions  New  York  will  be  indebted  for  much  of  her  future  pros- 
perity, as  she  has  been  to  western  New  York,  to  the  cotton  and 
sugar  planters  of  the  south,  and  to  the  cotton  gin,  and  other  in- 
ventions of  New  England.  What  centuries  could  not  do  for  Eu- 
rope will  every  where  be  done  by  our  temperate  and  substantial 
fcJlow  citizens  in  a  few  years;  and  should  peace  long  crown  our 
happy  land,  those  who,  no  longer  able  to  bear  oppression,  would 
strike  for  liberty  in  the  old  world,  will  here  smite  the  earth  and 
all  that  is  lovely  and  valuable  will  come, forth.  All  hasbeen  nobly 
achieved,  and  this  nation  must  rise  above  every  common  impedi- 
ment to  the  enviably  high  destiny  which  awaits  her.  This  city 
must  share  liberally  in  the  blessings  of  this  prosperous  and  happy 
condition.  But  we  cannot  have  it  so  without  effort.  Many  com- 
mercial cities  of  our  country  are  expending  millions  to  deprive  us 
of  ail  preference. 

To  feel  the  irresistible  magnitude  of  this,  it  is  only  necessary  to 
remember  the  condition  of  the  United  States  20  or  30  years  ago. 
Then  see  what  we  are  now,  and  no  doubt  will  remain  as  to  the 
fortune  of  this  city.  No  one  wi.l  deny  that  in  a  very  few  years, 
cheap,  rnpid,  and  Lmple  intercommunication  will  be  provided 
throughout  North  and  South  America,  and  from  the  north  to  the 
south,  and  crossing  in  every  useful  direction.  The  powerful  set- 
tlements and  numerous  cities  in  the  entire  west,  and  especially 
those  to  be  built  upon  the  shores  of  the  Pacific  ocean,  and  trading 
by  short  passages  with  Asia  and  its  islands,  will  exchange  a  por-  ' 
tion  of  the  stores  of  the  granaries  of  that  country  for  the  commo-  * 
dities  of  those  nations  and  the  balance  with  us.  These  advances 
must  take  place  there,  quick,  strong,  and  permanent,  not  to  fade 
away,  but  to  flourish  and  spread  to  the  astonishment  and  wonder 
of  future  ages. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


107 


There  is  another  consideration  that  is  deserving  of  weight  with 
us  in  forming  a  judgment  upon  the  probable  growth  of  this  coun- 
try, and  the  future  greatness  of  this  city.  The  committee  allude 
to  the  fact,  that  the  United  States  are  still  the  city  of  refuge  for 
all  who  seek  it  as  an  asylum.  Many  countries  have  an  excess  of 
population;  without  war  they  cannot  be  employed  or  supported. 
We  want  their  labor,  and  are  willing  to  give  a  high  price  for  it. 
America  is  inscribed  upon  all  these  emigrants  have.  America  is 
their  destination  where  they  come  for  safety  and  repose.  America 
they  make  their  home.  They  seek  for  protection  and  they  find  it. 
Moreover,  it  is  the  place  of  safety  for  the  oppressed  of  all  nations. 
Revolutions  in  monarchical  governments  drive  the  unsuccessful 
from  their  native  land.  The  people  of  all  Europe  and  some  other 
portions  of  the  globe  here  soon  shake  hands  as  friends,  and  unite 
to  praise  our  easy  and  free  system  of  self-government.  Looking 
beyond  their  chains,  and  reaching  not  for  thrones  but  for  freedom, 
they  join  to  hasten  the  accomplishment  of  many  of  our  important 
works. 

And  can  we  believe  that  other  regions  will  not  feel  the  wheel  of 
revolution?  Is  no  light  to  break  upon  the  nations  of  Asia?  Is  the 
song  of  freedom  never  to  arouse  the  slumbering  energies  of  those 
who  now  grope  in  solitude  within  her  classic  borders?  To  be 
really  free  they  have  only  to  will  it  and  their  shackles  fall.  They 
will  seek  to  be  like  us  and  to  trade  with  us.  Intercourse  with 
Europe  and  America  has  been  seriously  commenced  by  some  of 
them.  Let  them  imitate  our  improvements  in  all  things,  as  they 
must,  and  they  will  soon  know  and  seek  to  be  like  us  in  other  par- 
ticulars. In  a  few  years  their  ships  will  crowd  our  harbor.  We 
must  provide  berths  for  them.  They  will  add  to  our  own  the  un- 
surpassed riches  of  her  wide  extended  nations.  While  the  citizens 
of  New  York  are  pillowed  in  repose,  one-half  of  the  globe  is  in 
truth  devising  means  to  make  ours  the  most  extensive  and  most 
wealthy  city  of  the  world. 

In  regard  to  the  piers,  they  have  one  positive  advantage  over  the 
Croton  project,  and  it  is  this;  that  as  fast  as  any  portion  ©f  the 
piers  are  completed  and  a  wharf  leading  to  it,  the  same  will  be 
leased  for  a  profit.  The  following  estimate  of  the  Croton  water 
project  by  the  mayor,  will  apply  with  equal  if  not  greater  force 
to  the  works  in  the  river.    He  says — 

Measures  are  in  progress,  on  a  scale  commensurate  with  the 
present  and  increasing  wants  of  our  citizens,  to  supply  them  with 
water  for  domestic  and  other  purposes,  by  the  introduction  of  the 
Croton  river  into  our  city.  Years  must  elapse  however,  before  that 
'jreat  work  can  be  completed;  a  work  which,  while  it  will  minister 
to  the  health,  comfort  and  security  of  the  citizens,  will  also  elevate 
the  character  of  our  people  as  an  enlightened  and  public  spirited 
community."  And  concerning  the  pier  and  basins  proposed  for  the 
North  river,  the  Mayor,  in  another  message  declares,  that  *'the 
proposed  pier  and  basins  would  give  accomodation  to  a  great  many 
Tessels,  and  is  strongly  recommended  by  some  of  our  most  intelli- 


108 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


gent  citizens.  It  is  one  of  the  most  important  propositions  ever 
presented  to  the  common  council/' 

These  kind  of  improvements  in  otlier  countries  have  commonlj 
been  made  at  the  national  expense.  In  this  .country,  too,  we  have 
instances  of  large  outlays  by  the  general  government  for  great 
public  works,  both  in  water  and  upon  land.  The  Congress  of  the 
Union  should,  if  the  work  is  undertaken  by  the  common  council, 
b€  solicited  to  lend  their  aid  towards  the  construction  of  the  break- 
waters or  piers  for  the  North  and  East  rivers.  The  nation  has  a 
deep  interest  in  their  successful  completion.  It  cannot  be  doubted 
that  this  State,  too,  will  most  cheerfully  contribute  in  any  way  that 
may  be  found  consistent  and  proper.  It  has  been  suggested  that, 
supposing  these  works  should  be  finally  built  by  this  city,  the  for- 
mation oi  the  pier  in  the  North  river  would  probably  raise  the 
valae,  at  tkis  time,  of  every  lot  west  of  Broadw^ay,  $5^000  for  25  by 
100  feet.  And  this  ratio  upon  2,900  lots  only  would  be  §14,500,000. 
To  this  amount  should  be  added  as  much  more  for  the  certain  ad- 
vantages to  the  rest  of  this  city,  constituting -an  actual  increase  in 
value  of  this  island  of  $29,000,000.  And  these  useful  and  durable 
accommodations  wcuidj  in  various  other  forms,  add  to  the  w^ealth 
and  power  of  our  active  and  enterprising  cif  izens.  And  should  the 
breakwaters  alone  be  built  at  an  expense  of  two  millions  of  dollars, 
many  years  would  not  have  elapsed  before  it  v;ould  be  universally 
acknowledged  that  the  city  had  been  profited  beyond  that  sura,  ia 
the  saving  of  lives  and  property,  and  in  the  extra  increase  of  her 
commercial  transactions. 

Again — suppose  one  mile  of  the  pier  in  the  North  river  com- 
pleted, at  a  cost  of  $5,000,000,  and  suppose  the  440  lots  on  its  sur- 
face now^  for  sale.  It  is  believed  they  would  average  §15.000  each, 
amounting  to  $6,600,000.  To  this  must  be  added,  the  profit  arising 
from  640,000  feet  of  wharf  water  front,  and  forming  an  actual  net 
speculation,  from  the  first  mile  only,  of  $4,100,000. 

As  to  the  means  to  make  the  necessary  payments: 

The  debt  of  this  city  cannot  be  said  to  exceed  two  millions  of 
dollars,  while  the  property  she  owns  is  worth  more  than  $20,000,000, 
As  some  are  apt  to  feel  a  reluctance  to  create  a  debt  for  any  pur- 
pose, a  reference  is  respectfully  made  for  the  consideration  of  such 
persons,  to  the  following  very  just  and  timely  remarks  of  the  Hon. 
the  Mayor: 

"Tne  policy  is  believed  to  be  sound  and  judicious  which  appro- 
priates the  property  and  resources  of  the  city  to  the  creation  of 
necessary  and  permanent  improvements  for  the  public  service.  It 
is,  therefore,  just  to  ourselves  and  to  posterity,  while  the  public 
property  is  held  for  future  accumulation,  to  transmit  the  improve- 
ments, and  the  obligations  by  which  they  were  created,  to  those 
who  shall  come  after  us,'*'  and  one  of  the  committee  has  been  in- 
formed by  gentlemen,  whose  situation  and  business  best  enable  them, 
to  judge  correctly,  that  this  city  would  find  noMifficulty  in  obtaining 
money  from  time  to  time,  at  a  reasonable  interest,  as  it  might  be 
required  for  this  object;  (and  for  such. an  object  the  committee  da 
not  feel  any  reluctance  in  recommending  loans.)    It  is  also  urged 


Ex,  Doc.  No.  57.  109 

# 

by  some  who  have  examined  this  subject,  that  the  present  plan  of 
placing  small  wooden  piers  in  the  North  river  is  no  safety  for  ves- 
sels there,  but  for  a  small  portion  of  the  year.  The  waters  of  that 
river  are  as  good  for'shipj^ng  as  any  can  be,  but  must  ever  be  use- 
less, except  for  tow  boats  and  canal  barges,  without  suitable  de- 
fences; and,  of  course,  one  entire  half  of  this  island  forever  pre- 
Tented  from  receiving  her  fair  and  equal  portion  of  favor. 

Before  concluding  chis  report,  there  are  some  further  considera- 
tions that  seem  to  be  worthy  of  mention;  and  one  is,  that  it  is  pro- 
posed to  form  such  a  grade  for  Washington  street,  West  street, 
and  some  of  the  streets  crossing  them,  that  the  wash  and  filth  of 
the  city  can  all  be  carried  across  the  basins  into  the  river  beyond 
the  breakwater.  This  can  easily  be  done  by  the  aid  of  the  wharves 
leading  to  that  structure.  The  manifest  uuty  ©f  the  city,  in  this 
particular,  was  long  since  felt  and  admitted,  and  is  daily  becoming 
more  palpable.  Mr.  Serrell  observes,  ^^under  lately  existing  cir- 
cumstances, much,  of  the  filth  of  houses  and  stores  has  been  placed 
in  the  streets,  and  suffered  to  accumulate,  until  it  became  quite 
worth  while  to  remove  it.  Upon  a  partial  or  general  thaw  at  the 
end  of  winter,  and  upon  the  falling  of  every  heavy  shower,  much 
of  this  filth  W'^s'  washed  down  into  the  docks,  slips,  and  p^erways, 
combining  within  itself,  every  possible  description  of  animal  and 
vegetable  refuse,  and  every  other  offensive  thing  that  the  owners 
and  occupants  of  cellars,  stores,  and  ^houses  desire  to  get  rid  of. 
This  mixture  found  its  way  over  the  bulkheads  into  the  docks, 
slips,  and  pier-ways,  where  its  own  gravity  precipitated  it  to  the 
bottom  before  it  could  reach  that  range  of  the  tide  which  woukl 
carry  it  away.  This  accumulation  has  gone,  in  combination  witii 
filth  froia.  vessels  and  the  decaying  wreck  of  piers,  to  such  an  ex- 
tent, as  to  reach  30  000  tons  taken  out  by  the  mud  machine  in  one 
season,  of  which  13,000  tons  were  taken  from  one  slip  alone.'* 
Thus  berths  are  diminished,  and  the  city  rendered  offensive  and 
unhealthy.  And  it  is  true  now,  that  like  causes  produce  like  ef- 
fects. In  this  matter,  then,  this  pier  would  perform  a  grateful 
labor  for  the  city. 

The  geographical  position  of  New  York  invites  and  sanctions 
the  most  liberal  views  and  demonstrations  by  the  public  authori- 
ties of  the  city.  Placed  at  the  confluence  of  the  East  river,  which 
leads  in  the  commerce  from  New  England;  the  Raritan,  which 
BOW  connects  the  Hudson  and  the  Delaware;  and  the  Hudson 
river,  which  bears  to  us  on  its  heaving  bosom  the  varied  products 
and  business  of  the  north  and  the  mighty  west;  surrounded  as  we 
are,  too,  with  a  w^ater  powder  and  with  intelligent  citizens,  and 
-with  an  agricultural,  mercantile,  and  mechanical  force  and  spirit 
that  cannot  be  excelled,  and  replete  with  every  material  for  com- 
fort, and  prompt  to  reward  genius  and  enterprise,  it  will  one  day 
be  felt  and  confessed  that  Lowell,  Patterson,  Ticonderoga,  Niagara, 
Oswego,  Trenton,  Rochester,  and  many  other  places  supplied  as  those 
are  with  water  privileges  beyond  failure,  and  beyond  the  possible 
'wants  of  capital,  will  aid  New  York  to  vie  With  and  excel  many,  if 
3iot  all  the  cities  of  Europe,  in  the  variety  and  richness  of  the  articles 


110 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


of  home  manufacture  bartered  within  her  limits.  Doubtless,  for  a 
time,  manufactures  must  give  way  to  the  settlement  of  western  and 
southern  lands,  and  successful  competition  with  other  countries  be 
delayed.  And  the  more  especially,  as  it^s  alleged  by  an  intelligent 
traveller  that  in  Great  Britain  at  this  day  the  paupers  compose  one- 
sixth  of  the  inhabitants;  in  Holland  and  Belgium,  one-seventh;  in 
France  and  the  German  Confederacy,  one-twentieth;  in  Austria, 
Italy,  Sweden,  Denmark,  and  Portugal,  one-twenty-fifth;  and  in 
Spain  and  Prussia,  one-thirtieth;  while  in  this  country  there  are 
vew  few  paupers  in  comparison  with  our  population. 

But  the  superiority  of  this  city  for  great,  useful  and  profitable 
improvements  are  attested  by  all  who  visit  us.    Every  thing  here 
witnesses  that,  as  on  the  first  discovery,  trade  began  with  settle- 
ment, so  it  has  continued,  and  fnust  forever  increase.    The  crowds 
in  our  streets,  the  strifes  in  many  trades  and  business,  the  press  at 
all  our  hotels,  the  canvass  in  our  harbor,  the  bustle  on  our  wharves 
and  in  our  slips,  the  vast  population  daily  arriving  and  departing, 
our  institutions  of  various  sorts,  our  warehouses,  churches  and 
dwellings,  as  well  as  the  rapid  and  easy  acquisitioa  of  fortune 
here,  by  activity  and  prudence,  together  with  the  daily  advance  of 
real  estate,  prove  the  wisdom  of  making  arrangements  commensu- 
rate with  the  necessities  of  a  great  metropolis.    This  neglected,  or 
too  long  put  otf,  and  it  may  happen  that  those  are  now  here  who 
will  live  to  speak  of  at  least  one  city  w^hich  by  timidity,  sloth,  or 
ill  placed  parsimony,  v;as  stayed  in  her  onward  career  to  une- 
qualled wealth  and  magnificence.    And  it  is  feared  by  some  that 
upon  the  plan  thus  far  adopted  here,  of  building  small  piers  into 
and  across  the  tides  and  currents  of  our  rivers,  sufficient  berths 
for  all  the  commerce  which  will  surely  come  to  this  city  can  never 
be  furnished.    Already  do  many  vessels  lie  at  places  in  our  neigh- 
borhood,, and  send  tneir  goods  to  our  wharves  by  lighters;  and 
steamboats  of  great  business  are  about  to  obtain  good  locations  out 
of  our  city,  unless  they  can  have  them  within  it.    And  there  are 
hundreds  of  mod©st  and  unpretending  traders  to  our  city,  for  whom 
every  dictate  of  wisdom  and  equal  justice  require  our  city  to  sup- 
ply proper  locations.    The  committee  here  allude  to  coasters  of 
all  sorts  and  sizes,  and  to  the  various  small  craft,  and  steambo-its 
used  as  tow  boats;  also  to-w  barges,  fishing  boats,  and  the  boats  of 
the  watermen.    And  they  need  hardly  mention  the  absolute  neces- 
sity for  the  most  spacious  and  advantageous  spots  for  ship  yards, 
dry  docks,  marine  railways,  lumber  docks,  and  basins  for  timber, 
lumbt^r  and  various  other  articles.    Our  ferries,  too,  must  be  al- 
lowed convenient  places.     These  ferries  are  already  numerous 
about  our  island;  they  will  be  more  so,  and  will  always  occupy  a 
large  and  valuable  portion  of  our  shipping  waters;  and  no  vessel 
is  allowed  to  anchor  in  the  proper  pathway  of  any  ferry  boat. 
Should  the  idea  of  excavations  of  any  part  of  our  island  for  wet 
docks  be  entertained,  the  committee  think  it  should  be  abandoned. 
There  is  no  land  here  that  can  be  or  should  be  spared  or  used  for 
such  purpose.    There  will  not  be  enough  for  occupancy  in  other 
forms;  btbides,  our  tides  wholly  forbid  useful  excavations.  That 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  Ill 

;Something  should  be  done  is  certain.    Complaints  are  constant 
from  all  quarters. 

Our  policy  is  not  natural,  for  instead  of  offering  every  sort  of 
inducement  to  vessels  frorii  every  part  of  the  world  to  visit  us  and 
stay  as  long  as  they  please,  we  have  filled  our  city  with  officers  to 
execute  ordinances  whose  tendency  is  to  drive  shippers  from  our 
city.  The  committee  believe  that  the  true  policy  of  the  city  should 
be  to  find  and  provide  such  berths  and  places,  for  every  vessel  en- 
tering our  harbor,  as  best  comports  with  the  kind  and  business  of 
each  vessel,  whether  ship,  steambo  it,  or  other  craft. 

Here  on  this  favored  spot — this  beautiful  island — they  will — they 
must  prefer  it  to  all  others.  It  will  contain  all  that  man  can  wish, 
if  not  all  that  he  can  imagine;  the  arts,  inventions,  labors  and  pro- 
ducts of  the  world  will  be  here.  No  other  city  promises  so  fair — 
none  can  perform  more.  And  a  generous  and  highminded  public 
require  that  the  plain  duty  of  the  city  herein  should  be  confessed 
and  declared,  and  the  principle  of  piers  and  basins,  now  recona- 
mended,  adopted.  That  New  York  can  undertake  this  work,  and 
that  she  should  not  hesitate,  seems  undoubted.  And  the  committee 
respectfully  submit  that  they  have  shown  that  the  works,  when 
completed,  should  be  and  remain  the  property  of  this  city. 

The  first  magistrate,  for  many  years,  has  declared  the  miserable 
and  deplorable  inadequacy  of  our  berths  for  vessels,  and  asked  for 
more  ample  provision  for  such  purpose;  the  repeated  opinions  and 
messages  from  the  present  mayor  of  the  city — the  proceedings  of  a 
large  body  of  merchants,  shippers,  and  other  citizens,  who  assem- 
bled at  the  City  Hall  on  the  fifth  day  of  May  last — the  presses  of 
the  city — all  of  our  citizens  of  every  business,  calling  and  profes- 
sion— every  one  acquainted  with  what  we  are,  and  who  foresees 
what  we  can  be,  all  seem  favorable  to  the  proposed  impi-ovement. 
The  language  of  all  seems  to  be  the  same  as  that  of  Mr.  John  Jacob 
Astor,  I  am  in  favor  of  all  useful  and  substantial  improvements 
of  our  harbor  and  our  city."  A  good  portion  of  a  year  has  elapsed 
since  this  matter  was  fully  laid  before  the  people;  no  objection  has 
been  heard;  no  remonstrance  offered. 

In  this  great  concern,  sectional  feelings  can  have  no  place.  Wc 
turn  from  necessity,  and  with  thanksgiving,  to  the  North  river,  as 
a  place  provided  by  a  wise  Providence,  for  the  noble  objects  con- 
templated by  the  communication  referred  to.  That  some  corpora- 
tion must  inquire  and  examine  as  to  the  supply  for  the  present  and 
future  wants  of  our  commerce,  these  must  be  conceded.  Time  will 
be  required  to  obtain  all  the  plans,  estimates,  and  other  informa- 
tion, and  to  make  suitable  arrangements  to  proceed  in  the  work,  in  e 
all  respects,  in  the  most  prudent  and  proper  manner.  The  pro- 
gress can  and  will  always  be  regulated,  controlled,  or  delayed,  as 
the  people  shall,  from  time  to  time,  direct  or  require.  There  is  no 
danger  therefore  of  waste.  And  the  possessions  of  the  city,  and 
the  known  perseverance  of  our  people,  afford  facilities  for  going 
forward  such  as  no  rival  city  enjoys.  Money  can  be  had,  and 
the  completion  of  a  part  of  these  works  would  create  the  means  of 
«ontinuing.    And  it  is  highly  worthy  of  consiileration,  that  in  most 


112 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


other  cities  the  absence  of  materials  indisperisable  for  works,  such» 
as  those  now  contemplated  for  our  harbor,  and  tbc  immense  charges 
of  obtaining  them,  present  insurmountable  obstacles  to  their  adop- 
tion. But  the  mountains  of  Maine  arid  Massachusetts,  the  neigh- 
boring hills  of  New  Jersey,  and  the  extensive  gray  granite  quarries 
latel)  discovered  and  now  successfully  worked  in  our  own  "High- 
lands," on  the  shore  of  the  Hudson  river,  and  within  fifty-six  miles 
of  our  city,  offer  an  inexhaustible  supply  of  stone  of  every  size 
;ind  lorm..  And  cur  forests  will  yield  to  any  extent,  and  for  rea- 
sonable cost,  all  the  tim.ber  that  can  be  wanted  for  the  connecting 
wharves. 

The  committee  will  insert  here,  too,  some  facts  relative  to  tow 
boats  that  cannot  fail  to  have  great  weight  in  coming  to  a  con- 
clusion upon  the  plans  now  proposed. 

The  tow  boat  system  was  not  commenced  on  the  Hudson  river 
until  1825;  and  in  1827  enterprizing  individuals  undertook  the 
towing  of  boats  and  cargoes,  without  transhipment  at  any  point 
save  that  of  ultimate  destination,  and  succeeded  in  establishing  the 
perfect  safety  of  the  river  for  boats  of  any  burden.  There  is  now 
a  regular  communication  with  Oswego,  Buffalo,  and  Plattsburgh, 
in  lake  boats  of  fifty  tons.  There  were  in  1835,  trading  to  New 
York,  chiefly  from  the  smaller  lakes,  (Cayuga  and  Senaca,)  about 
fifty  lake  boats,  including  regular  traders  from  the  Mohawk  river; 
in  1836,  that  number  (including  the  boats  of  the  lake  and  river 
line,)  had  doubled;  and,  with  what  are  termed  wild  or  transient 
lake  boats,  may  now  be  set  down  at  two  hundred.  An  increase  of 
fifty  per  cent,  upon  this  number  is  anticipated  by  the  next  spring. 
These  vessels  should  have  liberal  encouragement;  every  one  that 
shall  arrive  here  will  bring  new  and  valuable  customers  to  the 
various  trades  and  business  of  our  city.  But  these  boats  cannot 
live  among  our  large  shippiiig;  they  require,  and  they  ask  a  con- 
Tenient  basin,  to  be  set  apart  ior  their  use.  By  thus  proffering  to 
them  our  protection,  friendship,  and  care,  we  shall  allure  theoi 
hither  from  our  canals,  our  noble  inland  seas,  and  even  from  the 
banks  of  the  Oitawa,  where  very  great  hopes  are  entertained  of  a 
profitable  resort  to  New  York  by  the  St.  Lawrence  and  Richelieu 
rivers,  and  by  Lake  Champlain.  And  this  success  may  be  followed 
by  placing  alongside  of  our  piers  a  rich  share  of  the  growing  trade 
of  the  Canfidas. 

Look  where  we  will,  we  cannot  find  any  city  that  promises  to 
excel  our  own.  It  is  the  first  hope  of  all  who  leave  Europe,  the 
preference  of  navigators,  and  decidedly  the  best  resort  for  capital- 
ists. It  is  the  central  city;  the  natural  depot  for  the  reception  and 
distribution  of  merchandise;  the  granary  and  storehouse  for  a 
jjjigi^ty  continent,  that  is  on  the  resistless  march  to  wealth  and 
pre-eminence.  Many  cities  have  been  formed  more  for  security 
than  for  prosperous  commerce;  and  in  these  respects  they  are  not 
equal  to  New  York.  Myny  of  them,  toe,  were  built  a^^ainst  the 
people,  not  for  them.  They  are  at  the  mercy  of  their  revolutionary 
jieighbors.  The  next  struggle  with  royalty  may  lay  them  in  ruins. 
But  cur  nation  is  already  free,  and  in  all  respects  perfectly  inde- 


113 


[32] 


pendent.  Our  cities  were  built  by  and  for  the  people,  and  belong 
to  the  peoplej  and  it  is  their  pleasing  task  to  foster,  enlarge, 
beautify,  and  protect  them. 

To  the  examination  and  judgment  of  this  board,  the  committee 
have  freely  submitted  such  facts  and  remarks  as  they  could  collect 
from  all  the  sources  within  their  reach;  and  they  now  most  cheer- 
fully conclude  their  report  in  the  following  appropriate  and  very 
happy  language  of  his  hi  nor  the  mayor: 

"In  looking  back  upon  our  past  career,  we  find  ample  means  of 
instruction  for  our  future  course;  and  it  is  the  part  alike  of  pru- 
dence and  wisdom  to  be  governed  by  the  lessons  of  experience. 
Our  commercial  success  is  no  longer  a  matter  of  experiment.  So 
far  as  human  efforts  can  prevail,  and  human  judgment  be  relied  onj 
a  solid  and  increasing  prosperity  must  inevitably  attend  the  indus- 
try and  enterprise  of  our  citizens.  Nature  has  been  prodigal  of 
favors  in  regard  to  our  position;  and  a  course  of  enlightened  and 
liberal  state  and  city  legislation  has  strengthened  the  many  advan- 
tages which  conspire  to  indicate  this  as  the  commercial  metropolis 
of  the  Union.  With  a  present  population  of  nearly  300,000  soulsj 
steadily  and  rapidly  increasing — a  climate  conducive  to  health,  and 
all  the  natural  and  artificial  means  to  encourage  the  various 
branches  of  trade,  it  may  confidently  be  anticipated  that  within  the 
next  half  century  our  city  will  contain  a  million  of  inhabitants, 
and  control  a  commerce  second  only  to  the  first  city  in  the  old 
world.  The  responsibilities  which  rest  upon  the  municipal  autho- 
rities of  a  community,  combining  such  extensive  and  diversified  in- 
terests, are  of  a  character  to  challenge  our  serious  and  anxious  de- 
l.beration." 

The  committee  offer  for  adoption  the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved^  That  the  present  accommodations  for  vessels  in  the 
waters  of  the  city  of  New  York  are  now  very  insufficient,  and  are 
daily  becoming  less  adequate  to  the  rapidly  increasing  commerce 
of  this  city,  and  that  it  is  the  interest  and  duty  of  the  city  coun- 
cils to  take  suitable  measures  to  provide  convenient,  ample,  and 
inviting  berths  for  every  species  of  shipping  that  does  now  or  may 
hereafter  come  to  this  city. 

Resolvedy  That  the  piers  and  wharves  hereafter  to  be  erected 
should,  as  far  as  practicable,  be  built  by  this  city,  and  forever  re- 
main the  property  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  three  commissioners,  being  residents  of  this  city, 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  common  council,  and  to  hold  their  office 
during  the  pleasure  of  the  common  council,  whose  powers  and  du- 
ties shall  enable  and  require  them  to  examine,  consider,  and  report 
to  the  common  council  all  matters  relating  to  the  erection  of  new 
piers  and  wharves,  and  increasing  the  accommodations  for  the  com- 
merce of  this  city. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  may  employ  competent 
surveyors,  and  such  other  persons  as  may  be  necessary,  fully  to 
enable  such  commissioners  faithfully  to  perform  all  the  duties  here- 
in committed  to  them. 
8 


1 32] 


114 


Resolved^  That  said  commissioners,  when  required  by  either 
Bo»rd  of  the  corporation,  shall  make  a  report  of  all  their  proceed- 
mgs  under  these  several  resolutions,  and  containing  especially  a 
fall  statement  of  the  various  plans  obtained  by  them,  with  the  full 
•stimates  of  the  expense  of  each,  the  probablo  amount  of  income 
from  the  sale  of  pier  lots,  the  amount  said  lots  could  be  leased  for, 
asd^  ^be  probable  income  from  the  rents  collected  from  the  wharves 
leading  to  the  piers,  and  from  vessels  for  merely  lying  in  the  ba- 
trns,  accompanied  with  the  reasons  and  calculations  upon  which 
the  opinions  and  estimates  may  be  founded,  and  any  and  all  such 
ether  information  connected  with  the  object  of  their  appointment 
as  they  may  deem  to  be  useful  or  important. 

Sesolved^  That  said  commissioners,  by  conference  wnth  each 
•wner  of  any  private  water  grant,  ascertain  his  views  and  prefer- 
ences in  regard  to  the  contemplated  piers,  \vharves,  and  basins, 
and  on  what  terms  releases  of  those  private  piers  and  slips  can  be 
©btained  which  are  situated  on  the  west  side  of  the  city,  and  be- 
tw€e:a  Battery  place  and  42d  street;  and  that  they  make  all  neces- 
sary inquiry  as  to  the  best  sources  from  which  to  obtain  stone  for 
"Hiese  works;  and  particularly  whether  any,  and  if  any  what,  sum 
would  be  charged  by  the  ow^ners  for  the  grant  of  privilege  for  suf- 
§cient  stone  from  the  palisades  of  New  Jersey,  and  the  expense  of 
apaarrying  and  transportation;  also  where,  of  whom,  and  at  what 
jzie  of  interest  money  can,  from  time  to  time,  be  obtained  for 
ifktse  works,  in  such  sums  and  at  such  times  as  the  same  may  be 
iraated;  and  what  sum  would  be  paid  to  this  city  by  private  com- 
i^nies  or  individuals  for  the  exclusive  privilege  of  building  the 
T^roposed  pier  in  the  North  river,  referred  to  in  this  report. 

Resolved^  That  the  members  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States 
frosa  this  city  be  requested  to  obtain  from  the  government  of  the 
l^aion  their  aid  towards  the  construction  of  the  proposed  piers  in 
abc  North  and  East  rivers. 

JResolved,  That  the  members  of  the  legislature  of  this  State  from 
this  city  be  requested  to  obtain  from  said  legislature  a  grant  for 
tht  same  object,  of  a  portion  of  such  surplus  revenue  of  the  Union 
ay  shall  fall  to  the  share  of  this  State. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

AARON  CLARK, 
D.  P.  INGRAHAM, 

Committee  on  wharves, 
Becember  7,  1846.  , 


APPENDIX. 

Philadelphia,  March  1,  1836.  | 

Dear  Sir:  Your  letter  of  the  27th  ultimo  came  duly  to  handyj 
»ad  I  hasten  to  reply  to  its  contents,  respecting  the  contemplated 
Ipieis  and  basins  for  the  protection  of  vessels  along  the  westernj 
"Wharves  of  the  North  river,  at  New  York.  | 

At  your  request  I  have  given  this  subject  my  earnest  considera| 


115  [  32  ] 

tion,  and  having  a  tolerable  accurate  knowledge  of  the  shore  of 
the  North  river,  from  the  Battery  upwards,  I  have  predicated  my 
judgment  upon  the  depth  of  water  along  the  wharves,  and  the  set 
of  the  tides  adjacent  thereto.  In  the  construction  of  a  mole,  or 
pier,  it  is  evidently  proper  that  its  alignement  should  be  exactly 
in  a  parallel  direction  with  .the  current,  and  that  the  upper  and 
lower  ends  of  the  work  should  be  rounded  off,  so  as  to  divide  the 
current  with  the  least  possible  surface  of  obstruction,  and  there- 
fore the  upper  and  lower  end  should  not  be  curved  inward  towards 
the  shore,  for  fear  of  creating  a  slack  water  subsidence  of  mud  and 
silt  within  the  basin  or  harbor. 

In  the  construction  of  any  pier  or  dyke  in  the  tideway,  where 
the  object  is  to  form  a  dock  or  basin  closed  at  both  ends;  in  other 
words,  where  the  object  is  to  protect  vessels  from  the  action  of 
currents,  winds,  ice,  &c.,  the  best  plan  would  be  that  which  offers 
the  least  possible  obstacle  to  the  natural  course  of  the  tide;  and 
therefore  the  ends  should  be  so  formed  as  to  permit  a  free  passage 
for  the  currents  from  end  to  end,  or  else  destructive  deposites 
of  silt  would  render  the  harbor  and  works  useless  in  the  course 
of  a  few  years.  This  object  may  be  attained  by  a  proper  ar- 
rangement of  piles,  connecting  the  pier  with  the  main  shore  or 
wharves  at  both  ends  and  at  other  points  intermediate." 

The  whole  interior  basin  should  be  open  to  the  tideway,  which 
may  be  made  to  pass  through  piled  causeways,  connecting  the  out- 
side pier  with  the  wharves  at  right  angles  to  the  course  of  the  tide, 
or  in  prolonged  wharves  extending  t©  the  pier  from  the  streets  of 
the  city.  I  do  not  see  any  difficulty  in  thus  carrying  out  the  plan 
proposed,  without  in  the  least  affecting  the  navigation  of  the  river. 

I  have  made  an  estimate  of  the  cost  of  constructing  a  pier  or 
mole  of  5,000  feet  in  length,  with  suitable  causeways  or  platforms 
of  communication  with  the  shore,  which  is  predicated  upon  the  dis- 
tance being  SOO  feet,  and  the  depth  of  water  foir  fathoms,  and 
find  that  the  work  will  cost,  executed  of  stone  in  a  good  substan- 
tial manner,  as  follows,  viz: 

For  the  construction  of  a  pier  5,000  feet  in  length  in  a  depth  of 
water  four  fathoms,  and  the  elevation  above  high  water  six  feet; 
1,000,000  perches,  which  may  be  brought  from  the  Palisades  at  one 


dollar  per  perch   $1,000,000 

Timber  for  the  causeways  or  platforms,  including  piles 

and  piling,  plank,  wharfing,  &c   400,000 

Iron  work  in  bolts,  clamps,  &c   20,000 


1,420,000 

Contingencies  and  superintendence   70,000 


Total  cost   $1,490,000 


I  have  also  estimated  the  cost  of  making  the  necessary  soundings 
and  measurements,  for  the  purpose  of  laying  down  the  plans,  &c., 
and  find  that  $800  will  be  sufficient  to  collect  all  the  necessary  in- 
forraaUoft  for  this  purpose. 


[  32  ]  116 

If  YOU  desire  the  services  of  proper  persons  for  the  necessary 
explorations  and  preliminary  plans  of  the  project,  I  would  have 
Dleasure  in  superintending  and  furnishing  all  the  necessary  infor- 
mation for  the  accomplishment  of  your  views  in  the  execution  ot 

the  work.  ,  ,    v  . 

With  ffreat  respect,  sir,  your  obedient  servam, 

^  1      '     '  WILLIAM  STRICKLAND, 

Engineer. 

To  Aaron  Clark,  Esq. 


Philadelphia,  March  21,  1836. 

Dear  Sir:  Your  letter  of  the  16th  instant  came  duly  to  hand, 
accompanied  by  a  draft  and  soundings  taken  on  the  North  river, 
between  the  Battery  and  Vestry  street.        .     ^      .  ,  ^ 

I  have  made  the  estimates  which  you  require  for  the  construction 
of  a  pier  of  200  feet  width  on  the  top,  and  allowing  the  slopes  ot 
interior  and  exterior  to  be  in  proportion  of  1  to  1,  and  the  average 
d'epth  of  water  to  be  54  feet  at  low  water,  and  the  rise  of  the  pier 
to  be  13  feet  above  low  water,  viz: 

Two  hundred  feet  wide  on  fop. 

Pier  to  be  550  feet  in  length,  and  67  feet  in  ^eighth  above  the 

base,  4,472,000  perches  of  stone,  at  $1   ^^tnn  nnn 

Deduct  for  cellars,  200,000  perches   ^0^^ 

$4,272,000 

Hydraulic  cement,  5,000  barrels,  at  $2  50...    ^2,600 

Total  cost   §4^84^ 

One  hundred  and  sixty  feet  wide  on  top. 
Pier  to  be  5,500  feet  in  length,  and  67  feet  in  heigth  above  the 

base,  3,577,600  perches  of  stone,  at  $1   ^"'onn'onQl 

Deduct  for  cellars,  200,000  :   ^^^^^^^1 

$3,377,60( 

Hydraulic  cement    I2,b00\ 

$3,390,100 

These  calculations  do  not  include  any  cut  stone  above  high  wa-. 
ter,  or  on  the  top  of  the  pier.  The  whole  is  predicated  on  rubble 
stone  from  the  Palisades. 

Wuh  great  respect,  your  °^^^/-\l"rSTRICKLAND. 

To  Aaron  Clark,  Esq. 

P.  S.    T  return  you  the  plan  with  soundings. 


117 


Mayor's  Office, 

mw  York,  July  11,  1836. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Common  Council: 

At  the  request  of  the  chairman  and  secretaries  I  transmit  to  each 
board  a  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  a  meeting  held  at  the  City  Hall, 
on  the  evening  of  the  5th  May,  to  take  into  consideration  the  pro- 
position to  erect  a     great  pier  and  basin  in  the  North  river." 

The  importance  of  the  commerce  of  the  city  of  New  York  is  uni- 
versally admitted,  and  any  measure  to  give  increased  facilities  to 
shipping  should  have  due  consideration.  The  proposed  pier  and 
basin  would  give  accommodation  to  a  great  many  vessels,  and  is 
strongly  recommended  by  some  of  our  most  intelligent  citizens.  It 
is  one  of  the  most  important  propositions  ever  presented  to  the 
common  council,  involving  an  expenditure  to  a  very  large  amount, 
and  for  the  accommodation  of  interests  of  great  magnitude. 

C.  W.  LAWRENCE. 


Pursuant  to  notice  previously  given,  a  meeting  of  the  merchants 
and  others  was  held  on  Thursday  evening,  the  5th  day  gf  May,  in 
the  superior  court  room  of  the  City  Hall,  to  take  into  consideration 
the  contemplated  construction  of  the  great  pier  and  basin  in  the 
North  river. 

The  honorable  Peter  Sharpe  was  unanimously  appointed  presi- 
dent. 


Jonathan  Goodhue, 
Peter  I.  Nevius, 
Charles  G.  Ferris, 
Abel  T.  Anderson, 
Zebedee  Ring, 
Nathaniel  Weed, 
Samuel  D.  Rogers, 
Daniel  Jackson, 
William  Samuel  Johnson, 
Mangle  M.  Quackenboss, 
Charles  G.  Havens, 
Philo  Hillyer, 
John  I.  Labagh, 


James  G.  King, 
Peter  G.  Stuyvesant, 
Jacob  Lorillard, 
Isaac  S.  Hone, 
Stewart  C.  Marsh, 
Stephen  Witney, 
Abraham  Van  Nest, 
Charles  Butler, 
Thomas  Addis  Emmett, 
Charles  Denison, 
Henry  W^yckofF, 
Leonard  Kip, 
Charles  Henry  Hall, 


were  unanimously  appointed  vice  presidents;  and  James  Taylor 
and  Charles  Yates,  secretaries. 

The  objects  of  the  meeting  having  been  stated  and  considered, 
the  following  resolutions  were  offered  and  unanimously  adopted, 
viz  : 

Resolved,  That  the  present  accommodations  for  vessels  in  the 
■waters  adjoining  the  city  of  New  York  are  very  insufficient,  and 
that  such  accommodations  are  daily  becoming  less  adequate  to  the 
wants  of  our  commercial  business,  and  that  it  is  our  dut}  and  our 
interest,  more  rapidly  than  heretofore,  and  more  extensively,  to 
make  provision  for  the  reception  and  protection  of  our  shipping. 


[32] 


118 


Resolved,  That  we  view  with  lively  approbation  the  proposed 
construction  of  a  great  pier  in  the  North  river,  thereby  forming  a 
capacious  and  safe  basin  for  every  description  of  vessels,  at  all 
seasons  of  the  year. 

Resolvedy  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the  common 
council  of  the  city  to  take  such  measures  as  they  may  deem  best, 
to  obtain  all  necessary  information  to  enable  them  to  judge  of  the 
propriety,  cost,  and  location  of  said  pier  in  the  North  river,  and 
any  other  matter  relating  to  the  same,  and  whether  the  said  pier 
should  be  built  by  the  city  or  by  a  company  to  be  incorporated  for 
that  purpose. 
Resolved,  That 

Jonathan  Goodhue,  Eli  Hart, 

Stephen  Allen,  Daniel  Jackson, 

Moses  H.  Grinnell,  Samuel  D.  Rogers, 

Charles  H.  Marshall,  James  G.  King, 

Thaddeus  Phelps,  Jacob  Lorillard, 

George  Griswold,  Abraham  Van  ^'est, 

John  Barstow,  Leonard  Kip, 

Silas  Wood,  Henry  Wyckoff, 

Campbell  P.  White,  John  I.  Labagh, 

Robert  Kermit,  Charles  Henry  Hall, 

David  Mitchell,  Peter  I.  Nevius, 

George  T.  Trimble,  John  Cleaveland, 

James  B.  Murray,  Walter  R.  Jones, 

William  Whitlock,  jun.  Mr.  Fox, 

William  C.  Rhinelander,  Charles  Dennison, 

Joseph  Ireland, 

and  together  with  the  chairman  and  secretaries  of  this  meeting, 
be  a  committee  to  prepare  suitable  memorials  for  the  signatures  of 
the  citizens,  and  that  the  same  be  presented  to  the  common 
council,  praying  for  the  erection  of  said  pier. 

Resolved,  That  a  certified  copy  of  all  the  proceedings  of  this 
meeting  be  presented  to  each  board  of  the  common  council. 

True  copy: 

PETER  SHARPS. 

James  Taylor,     }  ci      ^  • 
Charles  Yates,  \  Secretaries. 

Certified,  New  York,  May  27,  1836. 


Comptroller's  Office, 

October  3,  1836.  ; 

To  the  Board  of  Aldermen  of  the  city  of  JYew  York: 

In  obedience  to  the  following  resolution,  offered  by  Aldermaa 
Clark  ,  on  the  12th  of  September  last: 

*^  Resolved,  That  the  comptroller  be  requested  to  report  to  this 
board  the  amount  expended  annually,  for  the  last  fifteen  years,  on- 
docks,  slips,  and  bulkheads  by  this  city." 


119 


I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  a  statement  of  said  expenses,  from 
the  1st  May,  1821,  to  31st  December,  1835,  as  charged  to  the  ac- 
count against  docks  and  slips. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

D.  D.  WILLIAMSON, 

Comptroller.. 


Comptroller'^ s  report  of  the  amount  expended  annnually^  for  the 
fifteen  years,  on  docks,  slips,  and  bulkheads,  by  this  city,  ■ 

1820— May. 

Working,  supplies  and  repairs  of  mud 

machine   $1,643  18 

Interest  on  bonds  ^   565  43 

Repairs  of  piers  and  bulkheads   8,316  90 

Euilding  of  piers  and  filling   8,906  55 


1821— May. 

W^orking,  supplies  and  repairs  of  mud 

machine   1 ,416  66 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   19,584  21 

.    Building    do     do    2,680  42 


1822— May. 

Working,  supply  and  repair  of  mud 

machine   926  29 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c.   5,440  76 

Building    do      and  filling   4,170  70 

Cost  of  new  mud  machine   9,215  85 


1823— January. 

Working,  supply  and  repair  of  mud 

machine   2,701  00 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   16,585  29 

Buildina    do      do    3.350  00 


1824—  January. 

Working,  supply  and  repair  of  mud 

machine   3,016  10 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   12,055  21 

Building    do     do   11,407  90 

1825 —  January. 

Working,  supply  and  repair  of  mud 

machine   3,155  02 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   5,099  00 

Building      do     and  filling   27,615  20 


$19,432 


23,6Si  m 


19,753 


22,636 


26,479^ 


35,869  2£ 


[32] 


120 


1826—  January. 

Working,  supplies  and  repairs  of  mud 

machine  :   $3,892  57 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   7,289  87 

Building     do      do    34,G40  36 

1827 —  January. 

Working,  supplies  and  repairs  of  mud 

machine   3,906  14 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   15,804  79 

Filling      do       do    8,298  07 

Building  do       do    26,776  25 

Salary  of  superintendent  of  wharves..  150  00 

Contingent   169  99 

1828—  January. 

Working,  supplies  and  repairs  of  mud 

machine  ,   3,554  37 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c    26,048  00 

Building     do     do   33,846  99 

Filling        do     do   2,407  20 

Salary  of  superintendent   450  00 

Contingent   1,120  72 

1829—  January. 

Working,  supplies  and  repairs  of  mud 

machine   3,726  61 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c  c  11,859  00 

Building      do     do   43,^638  12 

Filling        do     do   5,697  64 

Salary  of  superintendent   600  00 

Contingent   144  25 

1830—  January. 

Working,  supplies  and  repairs  of  mud 

machine   3,500  47 

Salary  of  superintendent  of  wharves  . .  600  00 

Repairs  of  docks,  &c   7,140  03 

Building      do     do   21,644  03 

Filling        do     do    55  12 

Contingent   18  00 

1831 —  January. 

Working,  supply  and  repair  of  mud 

machine   3,586  38 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   11,615  27 

Building       do    do   10,581  70 

Salary  of  superintendent   606  58 

Contingent   175  00 


$45,822  80 


55,105  24 


67,427  38 


65,665  62 


32,957  65 


26,564  93 


121 


1832— January. 

Working,  supply  and   repair  of  mud 


machine   $3,527  28 

Salary  of  superintendent  of  mud  ma- 
chine  494  38 

Salary  of  superintendent  of  wharves  . .        637  50 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   13,124  24 

Building       do    do   20,130  85 

Contingent   18  00 

 $37,932  25 

1833 —  January. 

Working,  supply  and  repair   of  mud 

machine   2,823  07 

Salary  of  superintendent   700  00 

Contract  for  cleaning  slips   2,630  04 

Salary  of  superintendent  of  wharves..        800  00 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   7,410  52 

Building        do    do   56,391  32 

Filling  do    do  , .    4,308  04 

Contingent   18  00 

  75,080  99 

1834 —  January. 

Working,  supply  and  repair  of  mud 

machine   3,071  24 

Salaries  of  superintendents   1,500  00 

Contract  for  cleaning  slips  •. .     6,843  00 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   29,136  78 

Building      do    do   54,667  63 

Filling         do    do   11,323  67 

Contingent   ,   322  28 

  106,864  60 

1835 —  January. 

Working,  supplies  and  repairs  of  mud 

machine   1,779  31 

Contract  for  cleaning  slips   11,282  90 

Salaries  of  superintendents   1,500  00 

Repairs  of  piers,  &c   35,069  42 

Building      do    do  131,867  14 

Contingent   122  32 

  181,621  09 


$842,894  22 


[32] 


122 


TABLE 


Showing  the  rates  of  tax  on  the  several  wards  of  the  city  of  JSTew 
Yorkj  from  1830  to  1836,  inclusive. 


Wards. 

1830. 

1831. 

1832. 

1833. 

1834. 

1835. 

1836. 

jxtav . 

Per  ct. 

Per  ct. 

Per  ct. 

Per  ct. 

Per  ct. 

Per  ct. 

Per  ct. 

Per  ct. 

1 

40 

40 

45 

58 

45 

44 

34 

36 

2 

41 

40 

45 

59 

45 

45 

35 

36 

3 

41 

41 

46 

59 

46 

46 

35 

36 

4 

42 

40 

46 

59 

45 

46 

36 

36 

5 

42 

40 

47 

59 

46 

45 

35 

36 

6 

42 

42 

46 

59 

45 

46 

37 

37 

7 

42 

42 

47 

60 

45 

46 

36 

36 

8 

41 

40 

47 

60 

46 

45 

36 

36 

9 

42 

42 

46 

60 

46 

46 

38 

36 

1  f\ 
10 

A  n 

42 

4o 

bu 

A 

35 

36 

11 

43 

42 

47 

60 

46 

46 

35 

36 

South  12 

26 

42 

4-7 

64 

45 

45 

\  36 

25 

North  12 

26 

30 

40 

40 

30 

28 

13 

48 

43 

48 

60 

46 

46 

36 

36 

14 

42 

41 

47 

60 

46 

46 

38 

38 

15 

47 

59 

45 

45 

36 

36 

South  16 

1  37 

35 

North  16 

22 

23 

Resolved,  That  the  message  of  his  honor  the  mayor  to  the  com- 
mon council  be  referred  as  follows: 

So  much  as  relates  to  the  wharves  and  sjips  be  referred  to  the 
committee  on  wharves." 


Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  wharves,  &c.,  together  with 
the  street  commissioner,  be  authorized  to  employ  suitable  persons, 
under  their  direction,  to  make  surveys,  soundings,  and  other  ex- 
aminations of  the  North  river,  from  Castle  Garden  to  42d  street, 
and  extending  from  the  city  westward  1,100  feet;  and  to  furnish  to 
said  street  commissioner  and  committee  such  statements,  sketches 
and  drawings,  as  they  shall  require;  provided  that  the  expense 
thereof  shall  not  exceed  one  thousand  dollars,  including,  also,  a 
survey  from  Old  slip  to  Governor's  Island,  and  north  to  Castle 
Garden. 

Approved  by  the  board  of  aldermen,  July  18,  1836. 
Adopted  by  the  board  of  assistants,  July  25,  1836. 
Approved  by  the  mayor,  July  26,  1836. 

J.  MORTON,  Clerk. 


123 


[32] 


Regulations^  dockage^  wharfage  and  storage^  at  Long  Wharfs  in 

Boston. 

DOCKAGE. 


Vessels  under  50  tons.   25  cents  per  day. 

from  50  to  100  tons   33 

100  to  150    "    45  " 

150  to  200    55       «^  «^ 

200  to  300    ^«    67 

300  to  400   88 

400  to  500    ^«    110 

500  to  600    133 


And  larger  vessels  in  the  same  proportion. 

No  person  to  consider  himself  entitled  to  any  berth  (although  he 
may  have  hauled  his  vessel  in)  unless  he  has  first  obtained  permis- 
sion for  it  from  the  wharfinger,  and  in  all  cases  to  remove  at  the 
request  of  the  wharfinger. 

WHARFAGE. 


Anchors   50  cents  per  ton 

Anvils   2  each. 

Almonds,  sacks   4 

do        bags   2 

Ashes,  per  cask   4  '•^ 

Bales  merchandise  and  trusses   12i 

diapers  ,   12i  ^' 

domestic  goods   6J 

cotton   10 

wool   10 

cork   10 

hops   10  <^ 

leathers,  foreign   10 

do      domestic   5 

rags   Q>\ 

nankins  4  &  2 

tobacco   2 

horse  and  cow  hides   25 

leather.   12J 

twine   6|  " 

Half  bales  merchandise   6J 

!^les  wrapping  paper   6J  ^' 

Boxes  merchandise   12i 

Havana  sugar   7 

shoes   7 

bonnets,  domestic  4  &  7 

Brazil  sugar   30  ton. 

lemons  and  oranges   2  box. 

cards   5  " 

do  half  boxes   3 


[32] 


124 


Boxes  wiae    2  cts.  per  box. 

cider,  two  dozen  

chocolate   *  

soap  and  candles  ,  ....  ... 

Half  boxes  ditto  

Boxes  shaving  soap  

starch  

tacks   

tin   •  

pipes   

brimstone  

raisins  

figs  


herrings   

cigars  , 

fish  

oil  ,  

window  glass 

do        half  boxes 
glass  ware,  domestic  ... 

do  foreign  

Bags  of  coffee,  sugar,  &c  

salt  

Bundles  leather  

rattans  

Bricks  

Barrels  

Half  barrels  

Barrels  flour,  bread  and  meal  . 

Half  barrels  ditto  

Bundles  shovels  and  pans  

hoes  

Ceroons  indigo,  &c  

tobacco   


indigo 


sheet  iron  and  steel  . . 
silk  and  crapes,  India 

nankins  

cassia  

soap  

shoes   . . . 

tumblers  

glass  ware,  domestic  . 
manna  


4 

u 

2 

(( 

2 

(( 

a 

1 

(( 

(C 

1 

(C 

9 

u 

<( 

9 

2 

u 

u 

2 

u 

(( 

4 

u 

1 

u 

a 

2 

u 

u 

10,  G  &  2 

<( 

6,4  &  2 

u 

1 

(( 

1 

(( 

u 

2 

<c 

u  * 

2 

u 

2 

(( 

u 

1 

u 

7 

u 

12i 

{( 

a 

2 

(( 

p  a  p  h 

V  a    li  • 

3 

(C 

4 

(( 

(( 

1 

U 

4 

u 

p  n  p  n 

(C 

(( 

2 

C( 

t( 

1 

i( 

(( 

4 

(( 

C( 

1 

a 

4 

u 

4 

a 

(( 

12i 

f  c 

a 

124 

124 

a 

(( 

121 

u 

u 

121 

u 

u 

124 

a 

(( 

c( 

(( 

6i 

( (. 

6i 

a 

u 

7 

u 

(( 

124 

a 

7 

u 

a 

6^ 

u 

u 

125 


[32] 


Cases  cantharides   6 J  cents  each. 

liquorice   6^  " 

macaroni   6^ 

gin   2  ^« 

wine  4  &  2  " 

Coal   30  cents  chid. 

Cordage   30  ton. 

Cambooses   10    "  each. 

Chests  oiL   2 

Cannon   25 

Chairs   1 

Cassia,  in  mats   20       100  mats. 

Crates   10  each. 

crown  glass    5 

Casks  raisins   4  &  2  ^' 

cheese   4 

nails   3  &  2 

Carboys  vitriol   3 

Casks  currants   4  &  2 

Chaises   20  <^ 

Carriages.....   37i 

Cart  wheels   6^ 

Chalk,  per  ton  ......   30^  ^-  ^• 

Chests  bohea  tea    12^ 

Half  chests  

Quarter   3 

Half....  ....   11  «^ 

10  catty  boxes   .  1 

Duck,  per  mat     2 

Russia,  per  bolt   1 

ravens     0| 

half  bales   6^ 

Demijohns  *   1 

Dyewood   30  ton. 

Drums  fish   1  k  4:  each. 

raisins  and  figs   1  &  i 

Empty  molasses  hhds.   4  <^ 

Figs,  cases   2 

Fish,  per  quintal   2  " 

Firkins   2  «^ 

Goat  skins   10  100 

Grain,  all  kinds   1  &  ^  cents  bush, 

Gun  stocks   50  m. 

Grindstones   25  ton. 

Gin  cases  ,   1  each. 

Hogsheads   10 

Hemp  ,   30  ton. 

Hampers  of  bottles   7  each. 

Horns   25  m. 

Horn  tips   8 

Herring   0^  box. 


[32] 


126 


61 


ton 


Hides,  ox   1  cent  each. 

horse   0^  ^< 

Calcutta  loose   0^ 

Hollow  ware,  per  ton,  tale   20 

Hay,  per  bundle   10    "  <^ 

Half  barrels    2 

Hoes,  per  dozen   1 

Hoops   25 

Horses   10 

Ivory   30 

Iron   30 

Jars  grapes,  oil  and  olives   1 

Kegs  lard  and  butter   2 

crackers   1  & 

tobacco   2 

half  ditto  :   1 

shot   4 

Lead,  in  sheets  and  pigs   30 

in  casks   30 

Leg  bones   10 

Lime,  per  cask   5 

Log  and  other  dye  woods   30 

Mahogany   30  cts.  p 

Madder,  per  sack  

Mats  of  sugar   2 

duck   2  " 

cassia   20  cts 

Nails,  American,  per  cask   3&2 

English   4 

Nankins,  per  bale   4  &  2 

case  

Nest  casks   7 

Onions,  per  100  bunches   4 

Oars,  per  ra   25 

Oil,  whale  and  sperm  30  cents  per  ton  of  252  gallons 

Oxen  and  cows   10 

Pipes   10 

Half  ditto   7 

Quarter  ditto   4 

Packages  merchandize  •   12J 

Plaster,  per  ton   25 

Paper,  wrapping,  per  ream  

sheathing,  &c.,  per  ton   30 

printing,  per  ream   1 

Ploughs   4 

Pot  ash  kettles   10 

Potatoes   1  bush, 

Rattans   30    "  ton. 


m. 

each. 

ton. 
<c 

each, 
a 

cc 

u 


ton. 
u 

m. 
each, 
ton. 
of  480  ft. 
each. 

100  mats, 
each. 

u 
a 
a 


each, 
u 


cents 


Salt,  per 


Slate. 


hhd 
bag 


•  II    »,»!    Illl    lilt    %  %  %  %  •!»»«•  »«•»« 


6^ 
3 

25 


127 


[32] 


Steel,  in  bundles  and  cases   30  cents  ton. 

tubs   2  each. 

Skins,  sheep,  in  the  wool   20  100. 

calf   10 

Shooks   2  each. 

sugar  box   1 

Shovels,  per  dozen   4 

handles  do   20    ^«  100  doz. 

Scythes,  per  doz   2 

snaiths   2  " 

Sacks,  almonds   4  each. 

feathers.   10  " 

Specie   2  1000 

Stoves   10  &  6  each. 

Staves,  bbl   25  " 

hhd.  and  pipe   40 

Stone  and  ballast   25  ton. 

Sheep  and  swine   4  each. 

Trunks  merchandize   12^  " 

shoes   l"  ^' 

Tierces   7 

Half  do   4  ' 

Tea,  bohea,  chests   12i 

kalf  do   6| 

quarter  do   3 

half  quarter  do   IJ 

10  catty  boxes   1 

Tea  kettles   \ 

Wood  and  bark   25  cord. 

Wagons   17  each. 

Zeroons   4  <^ 

Boards,  per  m   25 

Shingles   6^ 

Clapboards  ^   20  ^' 

Oars,  per  m  ,   25 

Staves,  bbl   25 

hhd.  and  pipe   40 

Timber  ranging     25    ^'   100  ft. 

ton  .*   25  ton. 

Shooks  and  heading   2  each 

Joist,  per  m   25 

Laths   6|  " 

Suejar  box  shooks   1 

Hoops   25  m. 

Treenails   25 

Storage  per  month. 

Bags  of  coffee,  cocoa,  &c   2    cents  each. 

Bales  of  cotton  and  bags  of  hops   12j  " 

Bales,  cases,  crates,  and  trunks,,,.  10     15  " 


[32] 


128 


cents  each. 

u 

a 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

u 

2 

u 

u 

u 

per  ton. 

u 

per  bolt. 

u 

per  cwt. 

u 

per  bush. 

a 

ton. 

u 

each. 

ii 

u 

ti 

per  ton. 

a 

per  bush. 

a 

each. 

The  wharfage  of  all  goods  shipped  by,  or  consigned  to,  people  re- 
siding out  of  the  city  is  to  be  paid  by  the  master  or  owner  of  the 
yessel  receiving  or  landing  such  goods. 

Goods,  if  taken  a^ay  any  time  short  of  a  month,  pay  the  same 
rate  of  storage  as  for  an  entire  month. 

Goods  brought  on  the  wharf  by  trucks,  or  otherwise,  for  public 
sale,  shall  pay  the  same  wharfage  as  if  landed  thereon. 

Goods  put  in  store  for  public  sale,  to  pay  one  month's  storage. 

Goods  taken  by  one  vessel  from  another,  to  pay  half  the  wharf- 
age the  same  would  have  paid  had  they  been  landed  or  shipped 
from  the  wharf;  the  wharfage  to  be  paid  by  the  vessel  nearest  the 
wharf. 

Goods  received  from,  or  loaded  on  board  coasters,  to  be  paid  for 
by  the  masters  of  the  coasters;  unless  the  same  are  shipped  or  re- 
ceived by  persons  belonging  to  Boston,  and  a  return  thereof  be 
made  by  the  mastpr  of  the  coaster  to  the  wharfinger. 

The  wharfage  of  goods  landed  other  than  from  coasters,  to  be 
paid  by  the  seller,  or  person,  landing  them,  except  lumber;  the 
w^harfage  on  which  is  to  be* paid  by  the  purchaser. 

The  wharfage  of  goods  shipped  off  the  wharf,  to  be  paid  by  the 
vessel  that  receives  them  on  board,  or  the  person  who  ships  them. 

All  merchandise  shipped  off  the  wharf,  to  pay  the  same  rates  of 
wharfage  as  for  landing,  when  the  property  may  have  been  sold, 
or  otherwise  disposed  of,  flour  excepted,  the  wharfage  of  which 
will  be  charged  in  all  cases,  whether  shipped  by  the  importer  or 
other  person. 

Mahogany,  dye  w^oods,  and  lumber,  landed  on  the  wharf,  to  be 
immediately  taken  away,  or  piled  up  by  the  wharfinger  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  owner  or  consignee. 

Vessels  will  be  charged  dockage  for  the  day  of  their  arrival,  but 
not  for  the  day  of  their  departure. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


129 


Vessels  lying  at  the  wharf  are  to  remove  at  the  request  of  the 
^vharfinger;  and  if  not  done  at  his  request,' the  vessel  will  be  re- 
moved by  the  wharfinger,  at  the  risk  and  expense  of  the  owner. 

Vessels  hauling  to  the  wharf  are  expected  to  have  their  jib  and 
spanker  booms  and  spirit  sail  yards  rigged  in,  and  to  accommodate 
other  vessels  as  much  as  possible. 

Vessels  being  loaded,  and  coming  from  or  going  to  other 
wharves,  to  pay  double  rates  of  dockage,  to  remove  when  directed 
^by  the  wharfinger  and  not  to  remain  at  the  wharf,  except  with, 
his  permission. 

No  vessel  with  unslaked  lime  will  be  allowed  to  lie  at  the 
wharf,  except  v^^ith  the  particular  peimission  of  the  wharfinger. 

No  fire  will  be  permitted  on  the  wharf,  nor  any  tar  or  pitch  to  be 
heated  on  board  any  vessel  lying  at  the  wharf,  excepting  when 
such  vessel  may  be  afloat,  or  a  special  permission  be  obtained  fromt 
the  wharfinger. 

No  sand,  gravel,  or  other  ballast  to  be  landed  on  the.  wharf, 
unless  with  the  approbation  and  under  the  inspection  of  the  whar- 
finger; nor  are  the  dirt,  sweepings  of  the  hold,  or  other  articles, 
iinder  any  pretence  whatever,  to  be  thrown  into  the  dock. 

No  boats  are  to  be  put  on  the  wharf  except  in  the  winter  sea- 
son, and  then  only  with  the  consent  of  the  wharfinger. 

No  articles  of  any  kind  whatever  put  upon  the  wharf  are  to  be 
-considered  as  entitled  to  remain  there  any  longer  time  than  the 
wharfinger  shall  consent  to,  and  always  subject  to  be  removed  at 
^<he  expense  of  the  owpsrs. 


D. 

PROSPECTUS  OF  THE  ATLANTIC  DOCK  COMPANY. 

The  ^'Atlantic  Dock  Company"  is  a  body  corporate  by  an  act  of 
'the  legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York,  passed  May  6th,  1840; 
with  a  capita.1  of  ^1,000^000,  and  with  a  right  to  commence  the 
operations  of  the  company  when  one  huridred  thousand  dollars  are 
subscribed  and  paid  in.  The  shares  are  one  hundred  dollars  each, 
are  deemed  personal  property,  and  are  transferable  on  the  books 
-of  the  company,  either  in  person  or  by  authorized  attorney, 
i  The  present  directors  are  James  De  Ptyster  Ogden,  president, 
Nathaniel  L.  Griswold,  Abraham  Bell,  Richard  Irvin,  William  R* 
Wadsworth,  Henry  Grinnell,  William  Kemble,  Cyrus  P.  Smith, 
Asa  Worthington. 

The  election  of  directors  is  held  on  the  third  Monday  in  January 
in  every  year.  Each  shareholder  is  entitled  to  one  vote  at  any 
•such  election,  for  every  share  of  stock  so  held. 

The  bject  of  the  company  ^s  to  construct  docks,  bulkheads  and 
piers,  forming  a  basin,  to  embrace  a  surface  of  about  42  acres,  and 
a  hydraulic  dock  within  the  samej  to  be  located  on  the  waterfront 

9 


130 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


in  the  sixth  ward  in  the  city  of  Brooklyn,  near  the  South  ferry,  as 
ishown  on  the  annexed  diagram. 

The  location  has  been  selected  after  thorough  and  careful  sound- 
ings and  examination  of  the  ground  under  water,  which  was  found 
easy  for  excavation  and  free  Irora  rock;  and  also  after  considering 
its  relative  position  and  advantages  to  all  the  locations  in  and  about 
the  harbor  of  New  York.  The  shores  of  New  York,  Brooklyn  and 
Jersey  City  have  all  been  examined  by  experienced  and  scientific 
gentlemen,  and  the  result  is  that  the  present  location  possesses 
many  required  advantages  over  any  other;  being  easy  of  access  and 
a  short  distance  from  the  centre  of  business  in  New  York.  It  would 
"be  impracticable  to  undertake  such  a  work  in  New  York  on  ac- 
count of  the  high  prices  that  the  company  would  be  obliged  to  pay 
ioT  the  property  requisite  for  their  use.  The  distance  of  this  loca- 
tion from  the  centre  of  business,  and  being  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river,  cannot  be  deemed  an  objection,  as  it  is  not  without  pre-^ 
cedence  in  other  similar  works.  The  *'VVest  India  docks,''  situated 
at  Blackwall  on  the  river  Thames,  are  about  3J  miles  from  the  Lon- 
don exchange,  or  the  centre  of  the  main  business  of  London.  The 
^'Commercial  dock,"  one  of  the  largest  basins  of  London,  is  situated 
on  the  south  side  of  the  Thames,  while  the  bulk  of  business  is 
transacted  on  the  northerly  side,  where  are  also  the  bank  of  Eng- 
land, exchange,  &c.,  &c.  The  ordinary  tides  of  the  Thames  are 
about  20  feet,  which  renders  the  crossing  at  all  hours  difficult.  In 
our  harbor  the  ordinary  tides  are  only  5  feet,  and  there  are  no  im- 
pediments to  crossing  the  East  river  at  all  hours.  The  expense 
also  is  trifling,  and  this  will  rapidly  decrease  under  the  present 
ferry  regulations.  The  distance  to  the  company's  works  from  the 
exchange  (being  only  about  1|  miles)  and  the  crossing  of  the  East 
liver,  presents  therefore  no  objection  to  the  location. 

The  land  and  water  right  designed  for  this  object  contains  about 
80  acres.  The  surface  of  the  basin  is  to  contain  42yVo\  acres^ 
Piers  are  to  be  erected  160  feet  wide,  forming  the  front  of  the  ba- 
sin on  the  stream,  on  which  to  erect  warehouses  with  sufficient 
depth  of  water  on  both  sides  of  the  piers  to  moor  the  largest  class 
of  steam  ships  or  merchant  vessels. 

The  utility  and  necessity  of  the  proposed  improvements  must  be 
-evident  from  the  following  considerations: 

First.  The  main  business  of  New  York  is  now,  and  in  all  proba- 
bility will  for  the  next  half  century  be  transacted  in  and  near  Wall 
street,  where  are  situated  the  custom-house,  exchange,  banks,  in- 
surance offices,  &c. 

Second.  That  all  the  docks  from  the  Battery  to  Corlear's  hook' 
on  the  East  river,  and  as  high  up  as  Canal  street  on  the  North 
liver,  are  now  full  and  crowded,  and  cannot  afford  additional  ac- 
commodations. 

Third.  Tnat  the  shipping  interest  will  prefer  going  into  docksj 
and  basin  at  Brooklyn,  rather  than  going  up  town  on  the  New! 
Yoik  side  further  than  the  points  before  mentioned;  especially! 
when  better  accommodations  are  prepared  for  them. 

Fourth,  The  benefit  to  shipping  to  be  safely  moored  in  a  basia 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


131 


against  heavy  gale  winds  which  annually  do  more  or  less  damage 
to  vessels  in  port. 

Fifth,  The  shipping  in  a  basin,  with  proper  police  regulations, 
are  less  liable  io  fi  -e^  rohhery^  and  other  depredations^  and  experi- 
ence has  shown  that  they  are  better  preserved^  especially  in  their 
rigging  and  cables  being  better  sheltered  from  the  effects  of  the 
tides  than  those  moored  at  the  wharves  or  in  the  stream. 

Sixth.  The  premium  for  insurance  on  vessels  in  port  moored  in 
this  basin,  will  probably  be  from  30  to  40  per  cent,  less  than  the 
present  rates  on  shipping  at  our  wharves. 

Seventh.  The  erection  of  a  hydraulic  dock  within  the  basin  will 
enable  the  ship  owner  to  haul  up  his  vessel  without  the  expense  of 
a  steamboat  to  tow  her  to  and  from  a  rt^ilway. 

Eighth.  From  a  use  of  these  piers  for  warehousing  goods^  com- 
merce will  derive  much  advantage  by  expedition  in  the  landing  of 
merchandise,  with  a  great  reduction  of  expenses. 

The  facility  for  warehousing  heavy  goods  on  the  piers  and 
around  the  basin,  such  as  iron,  lead,  dyewoods,  tea,  bags  coffee, 
molasses,  sugars,  rums,  wines,  hides,  cotton  bales,  wool,  &c., 
which  can  be  done  direct  from  the  ship's  hold  into  the  warehouse, 
would  be  a  saving  of  50  to  75  per  cent,  in  cartage  and  all  other 
expenses,  including  a  re-delivery,  as  has  been  computed  by  compe- 
tent persons,  after  a  careful  investigation.  To  exemplify  the  fore- 
going, one  fact^  amongst  the  many  which  daily  occur,  will  be 
mentioned.  An  eminent  eastern  manufacturing  house  recently 
purchased  of  one  of  our  largest  importing  houses  one  hundred  tons 
of  iron,  which  had  been  deposited  in  their  store  No.  119  Greenwich 
street,  at  the  ordinary  cartage  expense  of  50  cents  per  ton.  The 
same  expense  (50  cents  per  ton)  was  incurred  again  in  delivering 
it  to  the  purchasers  on  board  of  an  eastern  packet,  making  one 
dollar  per  ton  for  cartage,  besides  additional  expenses  for  labor. 
If,  on  the  arrival  of  this  iron  from  a  foreign  port,  it  had  been  de- 
posited in  a  warehouse  on  these  piers,  and  when  sold  put  direct  on 
board  the  eastern  packet  lying  at  the  pier  fronting  the  warehouse, 
the  reader  will  perceive  that  two  cartages  and  much  extra  labor 
would  have  been  saved.  This  case  will  apply  to  most  all  other 
heavy  goods. 

Goods  on  these  piers  would  be  much  safer  from  fires  and  depre- 
dations than  goods  in  New  York.  All  heavy  articles  stored  here 
could  be  sold  by  sample,  at  the  store  or  counting  house  of  the  mer- 
chant. 

The  saving  in  insurance  on  goods  stored  here  in  fire  proof  ware- 
houses would  also  be  very  great. 

A  comparison  of  this  work,  with  others  of  a  similar  kind,  will 
•sent  a  favorable  view  of  its  utility  and  importance. 

The  West  India  docks  or  basins,  (as  before  mentioned,)  are  lo- 
cated on  the  banks  of  the  Thames,  at  the  Isle  of  Oogs,  distance  of 
about  3i  miles  from  the  Bank  of  England,  or  from  the  centr*^  of 
the  main  business  of  London.  The  largest  of  these  basins  is  al)out 
890  yards  in  length.  One  contains  about  25,  and  another  about 
30  acres.    The  latter  principally  occupied  by  shipping  returned 


132 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


from  the  West  Indies,  the  former  for  vessels  laid  up  in  ordinary 
or  takino-  in  their  outward  bound  cargoes.  These  docks  or  basins 
proved  a  very  successful  undertaking,  and  highly  beneficial 
to  the  orit^inal  share  holders.  The  West  India  Dock  Company  was 
incorporated  with  a  capital  of  ^£1,200,000,  ($5,333,333.)  The  an- 
nual receipts  of  this  company  since  its  completion,  over  all  dis- 
bursements, has  paid  its  share  holders  10  per  cent.,  and,  many 
years  since,  it  had  a  surplus  capital  or  reserved  fund  of  over 
£800,000  sterling.  It  is,  however,  proper  to  remark  that  all  the 
English  docks  and  basins  have  not  been  equally  profitable;  some 
of  them  not  being  so  well  located,  do  not  yield  more  than  3  or  4 
per  cent,  per  annum,  while  others  pay  better  dividends. 

If  it  can  be  said  that  some  of  the  New  York  docks  do  not  now 
pay  a  good  return  for  their  cost  and  repairs,  this,  we  think,  is  ow- 
ing to  the  system  of  leasing  them.  If  an  equitable  tariff  were  put 
upon  all  goods  landed  on  these  docks,  they  would  be  more  pro- 
ductive. The  system  of  dockage  requires  a  change  to  make  it 
similar  to  the  English,  Boston,  and  other  judicious  and  equitable 
modes  of  collecting  wharfage  on  goods  landed  and  delivered.  This 
class  of  property  would  then  become,  as  it  should  be,  equally 
productive  as  other  real  estate  in  the  business  part  of  the  city. 

The  cost  of  the  European  docks,  in  comparison  to  the  estimated 
expense  of  this  work,  taking  into  view  the  small  difference  exist- 
incr^  between  the  tonnage  of  the  two  countries  (as  will  hereafter 
be"^ shown)  and  our  want  of  shipping  accommodation,  affords  a 
gtrik-ng  evidence  of  the  necessity  of  the  present  undertaking,  and 
that,  too,  in  view  of  a  profitable  investment.  The  ^'London  docks" 
(wet  docks)  are  near  London  Bridge,  (or  say  two  miles  from  the 
Bank  of  England,)  contain  20  acres,  with  warehouses  around  its 
margin;  cost  about  nine  millions  of  dollars. 

The  ''Commercial  Dock,''  which  is  the  largest,  is  situated  on  the 
*50uthprly  side  of  the  Thames,  while  the  custom-house,  exchange, 
banks  and  the  bulk  of  the  business  of  London,  is  on  the  northerly 
side  of  that  river.   These  docks  were  also  built  at  a  great  expense. 

The  whole  area  occupied  by  the  West  India  docks,  basins,  ware- 
houses, quays,  &c.,  includes  about  295  acres.  The  St.  Catharine's 
and  London  docks,  including  the  smaller  basins  in  their  neighbor- 
hood, and  the  "Commercial,"  with  the  smaller  basins  on  the  oppo- 
s'te  shore  of  the  Thames,  occupy  about  173  acres  more.  The  ba- 
sins lock,  &c.,  at  Liverpool,  occupy  about  90  acres;  making  a  to- 
tal at  the  two  ports,  basin  and  dock  accommodations,  of  558  hn- 

gUsh  acres  of  ground.  t»  .  .  , 

The  first  wet  dock,  or  basin,  in  the  British  empire,  was  con- 
structed at  Liverpool  in  pursuance  to  an  act  of  Parliament  obtained 
in  1708  At  this  period  Liverpool  was  but  an  inconsiderable  town, 
and  the  accommodation  she  has  derived  from  her  dock  is  one  of 
the  circumstances  that  has  done  most  to  promote  her  extraordinary 
Increase  in  commerce,  population,  and  wealth. 

A  comparison  of  the  dock  and  shipping  accommodations  of  the 
Dort  of  New  York,  and  its  amount  of  shipping  business,  with  the 
like  accommodations  of  England  and  their  amount  of  shipping,  will 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


133 


show  that  a  great  deficiency  exists  in  this  important  branch  of  pub- 
lic convenience  in  our  port. 

The  number  of  American  and  foreign  vessels  which  entered  the 
districts  of  the  United  States,  during  the  year  ending  30th  Sep- 
tember, 1837,  (see  report  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,)  was 
10,656;  their  tonnage,  2,065,423  tons,  a  large  proportion  of  which 
entered  the  port  of  New  York.  The  total  number  of  vessels  en- 
gaged in  the  foreign  and  colonial  trade  of  the  kingdom  of  Great 
Eritain,  which  entered  inwards  from  all  parts  of  the  world  in  1832, 
was  17,918  vessels,  carrying  2,825,959  tons.  These  statements 
show  the  English  tonnage  but  trifling  over  the  American,  whilst 
the  superiority  and  extensiveness  of  their  docks  far  surpass  those 
01  ours.    The  difference  is  striking  and  manifest. 

Again,  the  dock  and  shipping  accommodations  at  New  York  can- 
not even  bear  comparison  with  like  accommodations  either  at  Bos- 
ton or  Philadelphia,  in  proportion  to  the  tonnage  of  each  port. 

It  is  not  an  uncommon  occurrence  in  New  York  for  merchant 
vessels  to  be  detained  in  port  from  one  to  fifteen  days  before  they 
can  secure  a  suitable  berth  for  discharging;  and  then  oftentimes 
the  best  they  can  obtain  is  an  outside  one,  obliging  them  to  dis- 
charge their  cargoes  over  the  decks  of  two  or  three  other  vessels. 
The  owner  or  consignee  of  the  vessel  is  not  the  only  sufferer  in  this 
case.  The  consignee  of  the  goods  is  unable  to  obtain  them,  and 
frequently  loses  the  sale  of  his  merchandise  by  the  delay  in  the 
vessel  obtaining  a  berth. 

The  erection  of  piers  in  the  North  river,  to  afford  the  needed 
accommodations,  has  heretofore  been  suggested.  The  Atlantic 
Dock  Company  can  now  bring  forward  a  work  which  will  afford 
equal  accommodation,  at  a  cost  not  exceeding  one-tenth  of  that 
of  the  North  river  piers.  The  latter  would  necessarily  cost  some 
five  millions  of  dollars,  even  should  the  legislature  grant  the  pri- 
vilege. Again,  the  harbor  of  the  North  river,  to  afford  protection- 
against  prevailiog  or  gale  winds,  v/ill  bear  no  comparison  with  the 
location  of  the  company's  basin.  The  basin,  after  its  completion, 
and  the  erection  of  large  warehouses  on  the  piers,  will  afford  the- 
safest  harbor  from  gale  winds  from  all  points  of  the  compass  of 
any  in  New  York  or  its  vicinity. 

The  cost  of  the  proposed  work  has  been  carefully  estimated  by 
competent  persons,  and  also  the  value  of  the  grounds,  basin,  and 
piers,  w^hen  completed.  The  result  gives  a  large  profit  to  the  com- 
pany. The  cost  will  be  here  stated  in  gross  under  each  item,  as  a 
detailed  statement  would  be  too  voluminous. 

First.  The  land  and  water  right  designed  for  this  object,  con- 
taining about  80  acres,  will  cost  the  company   $152,600  00 

Second.  Piers  and  Bulkheads. — The  piers  on  which 
to  erect  warehouses  are  to  be  150  feet  wide  on  the 
top,  with  sufficient  depth  of  water  on  both  sides  to 
moor  the  largest  class  of  vessels,  together  with  the 
bulkheads  around  and  forming  the  basin,  are  estima- 
ted to  cost   199,609  43 


134 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Third.  The  excavation  of  the  ground  to  form  the 
basin,  and  under  the  piers  and  bulkheads,  so  as  lo  give 
the  latter  a  firm  foundation,  including  the  expense  of 
grading  the  piers,  and  about  500  lots  to  the  profile  of 
the  streets,  ready  for  building  improvement,  which  the 
company  will  own  around  the  basin,  is  estimated  at..  $272,317  64 

Total  estimated  cost   $624,527  07 


Estimated  value  of  the  hasin. 

In  order  to  arrive  at  some  just  conclusion  as  to  the  value  of  the 
basin,  it  will  be  necessary  to  ascertain  what  accommodations  it  will 
be  capable  of  affording  to  shipping,  and  by  estimating  its  receipts 
for  wharfage  according  to  the  present  rates  of  New  York  and 


Brooklyn. 

5  vessels  of  1,500  to  2,000  or  more  tons,  (say  average 
1,750  tons,)  can  moor  along  the  inside  of  the  pier, 
marked  H  on  the  diagram,  allowing  210  feet  to  each 
vessel,  whose  daily  wharfage  at  the  aforementioned 

rate  is  $4  75  cts   $23  75 

3  vessels  of  500  to  700  tons,  average  600,  along  the 
northerly  end,  marked  I,  allowing  200  feet  to  each, 
rate  $1  62J  cts   4  88 

30  vessels  of  50  to  150  tons  along  the  easterly  side, 
marked  J,  allowing  75  feet  to  each  (average  100 
tons,)  rate  62 J  cts   18  75 

14  vessels  of  50  to  150  tons,  average  100  tons,  along 
the  southerly  end,  marked  K,  allowing  75  feet  to 
each,  rate  62|  cts   8  75 

7  vessels  of  1,000  to  1,500  tons,  average  1,250  tons, 
along  the  inside  of  the  pier,  marked  E,  allowing  150 
feet  to  each,  rate  $3  25  cts   22  75 

9  vessels  of  1,000  to  1,500  tons,  average  1,250  tons, 
along  the  outside  of  the  pier,  marked  C  D,  allowing 
156  feet  to  each,  rate  $3  25  cts   29  25 

6  vessels  of  1,500  to  2,000  tons,  average  750  tons, 
along  the  outside  pier,  marked  A  B,  allowing  238 

feet  to  each,  rate  $4  75   28  50 


$136  63 

Add  50  per  cent,  for  the  second  tier  of  vessels  around 

the  same  line  at  half  wharfage   68  31 


Daily  wharfage   $204  94 


$204yVo  X  365  days,  gives  the  annual  wharfage  of.  ..  $74,803  10 
Deduct  5  per  cent,  for  collecting   3,740  15 


Making  the  nett  annual  wharfage  receipt  at  ,  .•    $71,062  95 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.    -hi       '  135 


These  statements  of  wharfage  show  only  the  receipts  for  a  double 
tier  of  shipping  at  Aa// wharfage,  but  the  shipping  at  the  piers  and 
bulkheads  can  be  trebled  and  quadrupled  at  half  wharfage  if  re- 
quired. 

•  The  basin  will  also  be  capable  of  containing  over  500  other  sea.' 
und  river  crafty  such  as  schooners,  sloops,  tow  boats,  canal  boats, 
lighters,  &c.,  and  such  as  are  not  receiving  or  discharging  cargo, 
but  waiting  (in  safe  harbor)  for  orders  or  business,  all  which  could 
be  charged  $  to  |  v/harfage.  This  is  not  however  taken  into  ac-, 
count  in  the  above  statement,  although  it  must  soon  swell  to  a  largo 
annual  income. 

The  annual  nett  income  therefore,  for  wharfage  only  (according 
to  the  abo^e  estimate)  being  $71,062yVo  it  will  allow  the  share-, 
holders  an  annual  dividend  of  10  per  cent.    This  net  income  rep-' 
resents,  then,  a  capital  of  $710,630,  which  we  shall  set  down  as  the 
reasonable  evidence  on  which  to  value  the  basin. 

Whoever  has  kept  «in  eye  to  our  commercial  operations  for  the 
last  ten  years,  knows  that  they  have  gradually  increased,  and  will 
admit  that  it  is  fair  to  conclude  that  our  annual  increase  and 
growth  will  continue  for  the  coming  ten  years,  equal  at  least  to  the 
past.  If  so,  this  furnishes  the  reasonable  suppositions  that  this 
basin,  (the  only  one  in  the  harbor,)  will,  in  the  same  ratio,  in- 
crease in  its  receipts  for  wharfage. 

We  think,  therefore,  a  fair  basis  for  the  valuation  of  the  basin, 
would  be  at  such  a  sum  whose  interest  at  10  per  cent,  per  annum 
would  produce  its  yearly  dividend  as  before  stated.    The  estimated 
Talue  of  the  basin,  when  completed  for  use,  is  therefore  set  down.' 
3t  the  said  sum  of  $710,630  00. 

Company^ s  lots. 

On  the  completion  of  this  work,  the  company  will  own,  (exclu-; 
sive  of  the  basin,)  about  540  lots,  all  graded  for  building  use;  the 
cost  of  which  is  included  in  the  foregoing  estimates. 

There  has  been  taken  into  consideration  the  benefit  that  will 
accrue  to  all  real  estate  in  the  neighborhood  from  the  important 
improvement  to  be  made.  A  detailed  statement  of  the  value  of 
each  lot  (which  has  been  prepared)  would  be  too  lengthy  for  this 
sheet;  we  will  divide  them  into  three  classes  and  state  the  average 
Taiue  of  each. 

First.  All  the  lots  around  the  north  and  south  ends  and  easterly 
side,  on  the  margin  of  the  basin,  having  water  fronts  on  the  same, 
will  include  about  157  lots,  at  the  average  value  of  $1,808  per  lot. 

Second.  Ail  the  lots  in  the  rear  of  the  last  mentioned  lots  hav- 
ing no  w^ater  fronts,  but  all  within  100  to  500  feet  of  the  basin, 
will  include  about  276  lots,  average  value  $582  per  lot. 

Third.  All  the  pier  lots,  on  which  large  warehouses  can  be 
erected,  having  two  water  fronts  of  25  feet  each,  100  feet  deep  on 
both  sides,  and  25  feet  street  on  each  front,  with  sufficient  depth  of 
water  on  each  side  of  the  piers  to  moor  the  largest  class  of  ship- 
ping.   These  will  be  immensely  valuable  to  commercial  and  ship- 


136 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


ping  houses,  enabling  them  to  make  great  despatch  in  the  dis- 
charge of  cargo  or  in  taking  in  outward  bound  freight.  It  must^ 
therefore,  be  apparent  that  the  great  advantages  which  these  pier 
lots  will  have  over  all  the  others,  renders  them  much  more  valua- 
ble.   This  Claris  will  include  84  lots,  average  value  $5,346. 

Lest  the  value  placed  upon  them  should  at  first  sight  appear  to 
"be  large,  the  reader  is  referred  to  a  work  of  a  similar,  though  in- 
i'erior,  kind  at  Albany. 

On  the  completion  of  the  Erie  canal,  connecting  the  waters  of 
Lake  Erie  with  those  of  the  Hudson,  the  enterprising  citizens 
of  Albany,  alive  to  their  best  interest,  foresaw  the  necessity  of  a 
large  basin,  which  was  soon  under  contract.  The  pier  forming  the 
Albany  basin  is  80  feet  wide,  and  is  laid  out  into  lots  having  30. 
feet  fronts,  with  warehouses  on  the  same  50  feet  deep.  These  lots 
-when  completed  were  sold  at  auction,  and  brought  from  §1.200  to 
$2,300  per  lot,  which  was  much  more  than  sufficit.nt  to  pay  the 
"whole  cost  of  the  pier.  They  have  all  been  productive,  and  have 
gradually  increased  in  value.  Some  recent  sales  show  they  are  now 
■worth  from  $2,000  to  $3,000,  depending  on  location — average  value 
$2,500. 

The  pier  forming  the  ^^Atlantic  basin"  will  be  nearly  double  the 
Tvidth  of  the  Albany  pier,  with  tv/ice  the  depth  of  lots;  which,  to- 
gether with  all  the  before  mentioned  advantages,  and  with  a  New 
York  location,  we  think  fully  justifies  the  estimate. 

Recapitulation. 

Taluation  of  the  basin,  as  per  statement   $710,630  00 

Do.       540  lots,    893,650  00 

$1,604,280  00 

Deduct. 

Cost  of  landsj  per  statement  $152,600  00 

Do.  docks,  bulkheads  and  piers ... .  199,609  43 
Do.    grading,  basin,  piers  and  lots   272,317  64 

  624,527  07 

Showing  a  gain  or  surplus  of   $979,752  93 

It  is  estimated  that  the  docks,  bulkheads  and  piers  can  be  built 
and  ready  for  use  in  twelve  to  fifteen  months  after  the  work  is 
commenced,  if  ample  means  are  in  hand  for  prosecuting  the  work 
-with  ordinary  despatch. 

Theexcavation  of  the  ground  under  the  basin,  and  grading  the 
piers  and  lots,  will  require  some  eighteen  to  twenty-four  months; 
but  most  of  the  excavation  can  be  the  last  work  done,  without  dam- 
age  or  detention  to  the  company.  All  the  centre  and  easterly  part 
of  the  basin  can  be  excavated,  as  well  as  most  of  the  lots  graded, 
after  all  the  docks  and  piers  are  finished  and  occupied,  so  that  the 
same  can  be  a  source  of  income  as  soon  as  completed. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


137 


It  is  designed  by  the  company,  after  first  constructing  their  other 
'works,  and  when  a  sufficient  amount  of  their  capital  stock  shall 
have  been  subscribed  for,  to  erect  a  hydraulic  dock  within  their 
laasin  for  taking  up  the  largest  class  of  vessels,  either  merchant, 
steam  or  government  vessels.  This  is  much  needed,  and  would  be 
a  source  of  additional  income  to  the  company. 

In  conclusion,  we  cannot  but  remark  the  striking  difference  which 
the  splendor  of  our  many  spacious  halls,  hotels,  the  exchange, 
custom-house,  banking  houses  and  public  works  present,  contrasted 
ivith  our  ordinary  shipping  accommodations.  We  see  that  the  lat- 
ter branch  of  improvement  has  not  kept  pace  with  the  former.  It 
is  even  behind  most  of  the  Atlantic  cities,  while  in  other  improve- 
ments we  far  surpass  any  city  in  the  United  States. 

A  compendium  of  the  objects  of  the  Atlantic  Dock  Company  is 
thus  presented,  with  a  view  to  invite  a  candid  investigation  of 
them  on  the  part  of  those  who  feel  an  interest  in  any  public  im- 
provement calculated  to  advance  the  general  prosperity  of  our  city 
and  elevate  her  commercial  character.  More  could  be  urged  in 
favor  of  this  enterprise;  but  as  the  present  object  is  only  to  bring 
forward  for  consideration  a  few  of  the  most  prominent  points  of 
advantage  and  importance  anticipated  from  the  undertaking,  there 
is  merely  appended  the  following  certificates  and  opinions  of  gen- 
tlemen who  know  the  wants  of  our  commercial  community  in  this 
lespect,  and  who  are  conversant  with  these  matters,  and  among 
"whom  are  some  of  our  most  eminent  merchants,  bankers  and  scien- 
tific men. 


•  City  of  Brooklyn,  ) 
County  of  Kings,  State  of  JVew  York.  J 

The  undersigned,  Willard  Day,  city  surveyor  for  the  city  of 
3rookly!),  aforesaid,  do  certify  that  I  have  recently  made  mir;ute 
and  accurate  surveys  and  soundings  of  the  land  and  water  front  on 
the  East  river,  between  the  South  Ferry  and  Red  Hook  Point,  with 
particular  reference  to  the  construction  of  docks,  piers  and  basin, 
for  the  accommodation  and  use  of  the  European  steamships  and 
other  merchant  vessels.  And  I  further  certify,  that  I  find  sufficient 
depth  of  water  on  the  water  line  and  within  the  proposed  pier  (as 
shown  on  the  plan  or  diagram  annexed)  for  the  entrance  of  the 
largest  class  of  steamships,  and  that  the  land  forming  the  bed  of 
the  river  within  the  basin  is  of  a  sandy  and  loamy  bottom  and  easy 
of  excavation,  which  will  be  required  for  the  filling  in  and  grading 
of  the  piers. 

And  further,  having  been  requested  to  give  my  opinion  as  to  the 
feasibility  of  the  proposed  improvement,  and  the  fitness  and  adap- 
tation of  this  ground  and  water  front  for  such  a  work,  I  do  most 
unhesitatingly  give  it  as  my  unqualified  opinion,  that,  in  a  com- 
mercial point  of  view,  no  improvement  in  our  harbor  is  so  much 
needed  as  a  basin  for  the  safe  mooring  of  the  large  steamships  and 
other  merchant  vessels,  and  a  dry  dock,  for  repairing  the  same  in 


138 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


case  of  accident,  whereby  they  would  require  to  be  taken  out  of 
water.  And,  as  to  location  tor  this  object,  I  can  say  that  I  am 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  all  the  water  front  of  our  city,  and  the 
soundings  around  the  water  line  of  the  same;  and  that  there  is  not 
so  desirable  a  location  on  the  Brooklyn  or  New  York  shores  as  the 
one  in  question,  taking  into  view  safety  and  convenience  with  easy 
access.  In  fact,  no  place  can  be  better  adapted;  and,  considering 
the  present  prices  of  property  around  our  water  front,  there  is  no 
place  where  this  work  can  be  brought  forward  with  so  little 
expense. 

WILLARD  DAY, 

City  Surveyor. 

Dated  October  23,  1839. 

City  of  New  York,  ) 
October  28,  1839.  \ 

This  certifies  that  the  above  named  Willard  Day  is  known  to  the 
undersigned  as  a  competent  surveyor,  and  that  the  utmost  reliance 
may  be  placed  on  any  survey  or  statement  of  facts  made  by  him. 

•D.  B.  DOUGLASS, 
Professor  engineering^  JV.  Y.  University. 


City,  County,  and  State  of  New  York,  ? 

JYovember  13,  1839.  J 

I  certify  that  I  now  am  and  have,  for  several  years  last  past, 
been  in  the  naval  service  of  the  United  States  government,  in 
making  surveys  and  soundings  at  various  ports  along  the  coast  of 
the  United  States;  during  which  time  I  have  made  accurate  and 
minute  surveys  and  soundings  in  and  around  the  harbor  of  New 
York,  including  the  shores  of  Brooklyn  and  New  Jersey;  and  that 
I  am  acquainted  with  the  East  river  channel,  (commonly  called 
Buttermilk  channel,)  on  the  easterly  side  of  Governor's  island. 
And  that  this  channel,  protected  as  it  is  by  New  York,  and  Brook- 
lyn shores  and  Governor's  island,  forms  the  safest  anchoiage  ground 
for  the  protection  of  vessels  from  gale  winds  in  this  harbor.  And 
I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying,  that  I  consider  this  location  for  the 
proposed  basin  for  the  safe  mooring  of  merchant  vessels,  is  de- 
cidedly the  best  one  in  New  York  harbor. 

THOMAS  R.  GEDNEY, 
Lieutenant  commanding  on  Coast  Survey. 


City  of  Brooklyn,  ) 
October  28,  1839.  I 

The  undersigned  fully  concur  in  the  within  opinion  given  by 
Willard  Day,  esquire,  and  can  cheerfully  add,  as  our  unqualified 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


139 


Opinions,  that  the  proposed  basin  improvements  in  our  harbor  for 
the  safe  mooring  of  merchant  vessels,  so  as  to  afford  protection 
against  damages  by  ice  and  fire,  is  a  work  much  needed,  and  that 
the  wants  of  the  commercial  interest  will  fully  justify  such  an  ex- 
penditure in  view  of  a  profitable  investment. 

JEREMIAH  JOHNSON, 
Late  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Brooklyn^ 
GEORGE  WOOD, 
DAVID  LEAVITT, 
JONATHAN  TROTTER, 
CHARLES  ROWLAND, 
COE  S.  DOWNING, 
WILLIAM  R.  DEAN, 
N.  B.  MORSE, 
GEORGE  HALL, 
CYRUS  P.  SMITH, 
JAMES  E.  UNDERHILL. 


City  of  New  York,  ? 
JVovember  19,  1839.  J 

The  undersigned  concur  in  the  opinion  that  the  basin  improve- 
ments with  piers  is  a  work  much  called  for,  and  that  the  proposed 
location  is  a  suitable  one, 

NATHANIEL  L.  GRISWOLD, 
GRINNEL,  MINTURN  &  Co., 
GEORGE  T.  TRIMBLE, 
ANDREW,  FOSTER  &  SONS, 
GOODHUE  &  Co., 
E.  K.  COLLINS  &  Co., 
JOSIAH  N.  CLARK, 
JOSEPH  FOULKE  &  SONS, 
CHARLES  H.  MARSHALL, 
SCOTT  Sc  MORRELL, 
ROWLAND  &  ASPINWALL, 
BOORMAN,  JOHNSTON  &  Co. 

THE  JACKSON  INSURANCE  COMPANY,  of  the  city  of  N.  York, 

By  A.  B.  Neilson,  President, 

THE  NEPTUNE  INSURANCE  COMPANY, 

By  Thomas  H.  Merry,  Vice  President, 

JOHN  H.  HOWLAND,SON&  Co., 
W^ILLIAM  W.  DEFOREST  &  Co., 
J.  J.  BOYD. 


CHARLESTON  INSURANCE  AND  TRUST  COMPANY, 

By  S.  D.  Dickinson,  Vice  President. 


140 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


THE  TRITON  INSURANCE  COMPANY, 

By  Robert  L.  Patterson,  President. 

A.  G.  &  A.  W.  EENSON, 
AYMAR  &  Co., 

BENJAMIN  DEFOREST  &  Co., 
DEPEYSTER  &  WHITMARSH, 
WOLFE  &  CLARK. 

*  I  concur  in  the  above  and  wish  the  space  to  be  occupied  by 
Tessels,to  be  excavated  twice  the  size,  with  three  entrances  instead 
of  one. 

WALTER  R.  JONES, 
Vice  President  of  the  Atlantic  Insurance  Company  of  JVew  York, 

D.  B.  DOUGLASS, 
FITCH  &  Co., 
RICHARD  IRVIN, 
WADSWORTH  &  SMITH, 
ABRAHAAi  BELL  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON  MARINE  INSURANCE  COMPANY, 

By  Jacob  Harvey,  President. 

OCEAN  INSURANCE  COMPANY, 

By  Abraham  Ogden,  President. 

BOONEN  GRAVES  &  Co., 
TALBOT,  OLYPHANT  k  Co., 

E.  D.  HURLBUT  &  Co., 
WILLIAM  COUCH, 
SAMUEL  P.  ROBINSON5 
W.  NEILSON, 
PETER  STAGG  &  Co. 

MERCHANTS'  MARINE  INSURANCE  COMPANY, 

By  Thomas  Hale,  President. 

UNION  INSURANCE  COMANY, 

By  Jeremiah  P.  Tappan,  President. 

NEW  YORK  INSURANCE  COMPANY, 

By  F.  B.  Satherthwaite,  Asst.  Pres. 

THE  MUTUAL  SAFETY  INSURANCE  COMPANY, 

By  Z^B  Cook,  Jr.,  President. 

JOHN  T.  ELWELL, 
BARCLAY  &  LlVrNGSTON, 
WILLIAM  WHITLOCK,  Jr., 
ALLEN  &  PAXSON, 
STURGES  &  CLEARxMAN, 
MOSES  TAYLOR, 


•  Since  this  signature  has  been  added  the  size  of  the  basin  has  been  enlarged 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


141 


HECKSCHER,  COSTER  &  MAT- 
FIELD, 

EZRA  LEWIS, 

TUCKER  &  LAURIES, 

E.  &  G.  W.  BLUNT, 

J.  &  N.  BRIGGS, 

CHRISTMAS,  LIVINGSTON  & 
PRIME, 

JONATHAN  OGDEN, 

NEVINS,  TOWNSEND  &  Co., 

JAMES  D.  P.  OGDEN, 

WILLIAM  KEMBLE, 

BROWN,  BROTHERS  &  Co., 

C.  BOLTON,  FOX  &  LIVING- 
STON, 

GRACIE  &  SARGENT, 

ROGERS  &  Co., 

LE  ROY  &  PERRY, 

A.  G.  HAZARD  &  Co., 

PRIME,  WARD  &  KING. 


E. 

Statement  of  the  value  of  merchandise  warehoused  at  the  'ports  of 
the  United  States^  from  August  6,  1846,  to  September  30,  1848. 


Philadelphia   $6,017,440 

Oswego    1,186,177 

Gloucester  •  •  5,069 

Passamaquoddy  *   8,644 

Baltimore   1,274,827 

Newburyport   47,009 

Detroit   6,153 

Niagara   28,356 

Boston   -9,308,721 

Bristol   128,790 

Fairfield   3,983 

Burlington   210,391 

Fall  River   11,846 

Oswegatchie   1,365 

Norfolk   52,008 

Portsmouth,  N.  H   85,414 

Mobile  •   36,648 

Portland   666,582 

Bath   83,313 

New  Orleans   2,579,634 


'  Note.— On  page  130,  for  42  438-1000  acres,  read  40  86-100  acres.  The  diagram  ha\iag 
■been  reprinted  and  altered  to  conf(jrm  to  a  later  survey. 


142  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

Elizabeth  City   5,937 

Savannah   26,195 

Providence    46,592 

Castine   12,232 

Rochester   55,105 

Piattsburg   51^,370 

New  York   20,5#6,250 

Louisville   7,034 

Bangor   59,637 

Charleston   411,307 

Buffalo   14,362 

Salem   452,799 

New  Bedford   597 

Georgetown,  D.  C   60,074 

Marblehead..  ,   1,231 

Alexandria,   47,538 

Plymouth,  Mass   676 

Richmond   26,733 

Wiscasset   4,352 

Middletown   33,904 

St.  Louis   56,228 

Belfast   34,050 

Jacksonville   394 

Wilmington,  N.  C   3,769 

Galveston,  Texas   184,004 

New  Haven   49,568 


43,934,308 


Goods  sent  to  United  States  utarehouses,  {unclaimed.) 

New  York,  return  of  collector   $14,617,658 

Boston,  estimated   6,422,224 

Philadelphia   946,542 

Baltimore   200,530 

New  Orleans   405,776 


22,592,730 


'  Showing  the  total  amount  of  merchandise  sent  to  warehouses  at 
the  above  ports,  from  August  6,  1846,  to  September  30,  1848,  $66,- 
527,038. 

This  is  an  estimate  as  to  Boston,  including  steamers,  and  as  to 
Philadelphia,  Baltimore  and  New  Orleans,  excluding  fteamers;  in 
all  the  other  ports  no  estimate  has  been  made  as  to  unclaimed 
goods. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


143 


F. 

Instructions  to  commissioners  to  examine  certain  warehouse  systems 
of  Europe,  with  their  report  thereon,  and  a  table  of  the  accompa- 
nying appendices. 

Gentli^en:  You  will,  with  all  convenient  despatch,  visit  the 
warehouses  of  London,  Liverpool,  and  Birkenhead,  and  procure 
the  following  information  at  each  place: 

1st.  The  number  of  such  warehouses  where  foreign  imports  are 
stored,  and  how  far  separated  into  distinct  stores. 

2d.  The  description  of  goods  thus  stored,  and  how  far  there  are 
separate  stores  for  different  descriptions  of  goods. 

3d.  A  description  of  the  stores;  how,  and  of  what  materials  built; 
number  of  stores,  and  depth,  and  extent  of  cellars;  how  far  they 
are  fire  proof,  and  to  what  extent  erected  on  arches  without  tim- 
ber; how  many  of  them  are  immediately  upon  the  water,  and  how 
many  distant  therefrom,  and  how  far;  the  convenience  of  loading 
and  unloading  goods  to  and  from  them;  the  depth  of  water  at  the 
docks  or  basins;  the  nature  and  position  of  the  hoisting  apparatus, 
whether  by  steam  or  otherwise. 

4th.  Whether  the  goods  are  insured,  and  how,  and  at  what  rates, 
and  the  means  used  to  guard  and  protect  the  goods  from  combus- 
tion, and  the  building  from  fire  and  accident;  how  and  at  what 
times  fires  are  permitted,  or  lights  introduced,  and  in  what  manner. 

5th.  You  will  inquire  particularly  how  far,  and  to  what  extent 
iron  has  been  introduced,  either  for  roof-  rafters,  joists,  or  other- 
wise, as  well  as  the  material  for  flooring;  the  expense  of  such 
buildings;  the  insurance,  if  any,  on  such  warehouses,  and  the  goods 
stored  therein.  ^ 

6th.  The  location  of  custom-house,  appraisers'  stores,  and  ware- 
houses. 

7th.  How,  and  for  what  terms,  and  at  what  rate  of  rent  the  ware- 
houses are  leased,  and  how  far  they  are  public  or  private  ware- 
houses, and  whether  of  both  descriptions;  how  far  merchants  are 
permitted  to  have  the  custody  of  their  own  goods,  and  especially 
of  dry  goods,  in  their  own  warehouses,  and  how  far  the  govern- 
ment has  the  direction,  control,  or  supervision  of  such  goods  or 
warehouses. 

8th.  The  amount  of  goods  stored,  giving  the  description,  as  far 
as  practicable,  and  the  quantity  and  character  of  each;  the  rate  of 
storage;  the  usual,  and  the  average  period  of  storage;  the  length 
of  time  the  goods  are  permitted  to  remain  in  the  warehouse  without 
the  payment  of  duties;  the  distinction  and  separation  in  location, 
or  otherwise,  of  warehouses  designated  for  goods  entered  for  con- 
sumption, or  for  re-exportation. 

9th.  The  mode  of  entering  goods  at  the  warehouse;  copies  of 
such  entries  and  of  all  the  forms  used  for  entering  goods;  how  far 
sub-divided  into  parcels;  the  form  of  certificate  given  to  the  person 
who  has  entered  goods  in  the  warehouse;  copies  of  such  certificates, 
and  how  they  are  used  as  a  pledge  for  obtaining  money;  and,  at 


144 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


what  rate  of  interest  loans  are  made  on  such  certificates,  compared 
-Nvith  other  securities  at  the  time;  whether  endorsers  are  required 
in  such  cases;  whether  such  loans  are  made  by  the  Bank  of  Eng- 
land, or  by  any  particular  class  of  bankers  or  brokers  upon  such, 
certificates,  and  the  aggregate  of  such  loans,  as  far  as  practicable. 

10th.  The  aggregate  of  goods  warehoused  at  each  of  these  places, 
and  in  what  number  of  stores,  and  of  what  dimensions^  The  dif- 
ference, if  any,  between  the  form  of  entering  for  consur^)tion  and 
re-exportation,  together  with  the  character  of  the  proof  required 
in  order  to  obtain  a  drawback  of  duties;  as  also,  removal  of  car- 
goes from  port  to  port  coastwise,  or  by  railroads  or  canals  to  the 
interior,  and  cppies  of  all  bonds  given  for  duties  or  otherwise,  in 
connection  with  warehoused  goods;  how  far  the  bonds  are  entirely 
dispensed  with  where  the  goods  are  deposited  in  public  ware- 
houses, and  whether  the  duties  are  exacted  if  the  goods  should  be 
consumed  by  fire  in  such  warehouses,  or  destroyed  on  the  way  to 
or  from  them. 

11th.  A  full  dfscription  of  the  books  kept  at  such  warehouses, 
and  by  what  number  and  character  of  clerks  and  ether  officers,  and 
how  the  labor  is  performed,  including  truckage,  drayage,  loading 
and  unloading;  shipment  and  exhibition  of  goods,  whether  by 
sample  or  otherwise,  and  how  and  to  what  extent  merchants  using 
such  stores  have  counting  houses  only,  and  in  what  manner  mer- 
chants and  their  clerks  are  admitted  into  such  stores,  and  how  far 
they  are  permitted  to  have  access  to  the  goods. 

12th.  A  full  description  of  the  official  aames  and  duties  of  all 
persons  transacting  the  public  business  in  such  warehouses,  with, 
compensation  paid  each. 

13th.  The  hours  within  which  the  warehouses  are  kept  open, 
their  connection  with  the  water  used  for  extinguishing  fire,  and 
what  articles  are  considered  combustible*or  perishable  and  exclud- 
ed from  warehouses,  and  how  or  where  the  combustibles  or  perish- 
able articles  are  kept,  and  for  what  length  of  time.  « 

14th.  The  actual  expense  of  warehousing  goods  and  of  keeping 
them  in  warehouse,  distinguishing  the  different  kinds  cf  goods,  as 
dry  goods,  hardware,  groceri -s,  wines,  liquors,  &c.,  and  what  portion, 
of  the  imports  are  not  warehoused  at  all,  either  in  public  or  private 
warehouses,  under  any  supervision  or  control  of  the  government, 
and  how  the  free  goods  are  warehonstjd,  as  also  goods  that  are  un- 
claimed, together  with  the  disposition  of  the  same;  as  also  goods 
that  have  paid  the  duties,  after  the  payment  has  been  made.;? 

15th.  How  far  the  warehouses  are  separated  into  distinct  stores, 
and  the  character  of  the  walls  and  separation  so  as  to  prevent  the 
extending  of  Ifre  from  one  to  the  other;  as  also  the  location  with, 
a  view  to  air,  ventilation,  access,  light,  &c. 

16th.  How  far  marine  or  other  railways  are  used  for  placing 
goods  in  the  warehouses,  and  the  length  of  time  occupied  in  ware- 
housing cargoes  of  goods,  as  well  as  in  shipping  them  from  the 
warehouses,  together  with  the  delay  on  this  account  and  deteRtica 
of  vessels,  and  what  portion  of  the  time  of  a  vessel  is  taken  up  in 
depositing  and  receiving  goods  from  such  warehouses;  and  how  far 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


145 


and  for  what  time,  and  what  place  and  under  what  guards,  a  vessel 
is  permitted  to  be  used  as  a  warehouse. 

17th.  If  on  arrival  at  a  second  port,  the  goods  are  warehoused, 
the  forms  required,  and  the  necessary  certificate  for  cancelling  bond 
at  first  port.  If  again  shipped,  the  variation  in  the  preceding 
forms,  if  any.  y-^ 

l8ih.  Goods  exported,  whether  uiWer  the  custody  of  an  officer, 
and  the  draymen,  porters,  &c.-  whether  under  the  sole  control  of 
the  government. 

19th.  Packages  in  bad  order,  how  repaired,  re-packed,  &c.,  and 
how  far  the  merchant  is  allowed  the  control  and  supervision  of  such 
labor.  Whether  liquors,  grain  in  bags,  sugar,  &c.,  can  have  the 
description  of  packages  altered,  and  how.  Liquors,  how  transport- 
ed to  secure  the  article  from  adulteration;  if  cased,  by  whom?  mer- 
chant or  government. 

20th.  Penalties  to  guard  against  violation  of  warehouse  laws;  are 
securities  required  from  storekeepers  or  those  having  custody  of 
goods;  if  so,  amount  of  such  security,  &c. 

21st.  Guards  against  burglary,  thefts,  &c.;  checks  on  the  store- 
keepers so  as  to  truly  ascertain  the  disposition  of  goods  entrusted 
to  their  custody,  the  manner  of  keeping  their  accounts,  how  often 
examined  to  test  their  correctness,  and  by  whom?  how  an  exami- 
nation is  m  ide  of  the  goods  on  hand;  and  how  often;  the  forms  of 
their  accounts;  the  expenses  of  storage,  &c.,  how  paid  and  to  whom; 
and  system  used  to  secure  accountability  in  the  collecting  agents, 
fees  for  bonds,  certificates  and  orders  for  receipts  and  delivery, 
their  amount,  and  how  collected;  the  different  forms  for  the  receipt 
and  delivery  of  merchandise,  and  difference,  if  any,  for  consump- 
tion, export  or  interior  transit. 

22d.  How  and  under  what  restrictions,  goods  are  transported  by 
railways  and  c  nals;  guards  against  frauds,  burglary ,  &c.;  whether 
if  an  examination  of  the  goods  has  been  made  at  the  first  port  of 
entry,  a  second  examination  is  required  at  the  place  of  consump- 
tion, the  form'of  certificate  required  to  accompany  such  goods,  and 
whether  duty  is  assessed  at  the  first  port,  or  on  arrival  at  place  of 
consumption,  and  when  and  where  paid. 

23d.  At  whose  risk  the  goods  are  during  such  transit,  whether 
duties  are  exacted  if  the  goods  are  destroyed  by  fire  or  other  acci- 
dents of  navigation  or  travel,  and  who  bears  such  loss. 

24th.  What  deductions,  if  any,  are  made  for  leakage,  wasting, 
&c.,  during  transit  or  on  the  voyage  of  importation,  and  under  what 
restrictions  leakage  or  loss  by  weight  is  made  a  part  of  damage 
caused  by  stress  of  weather. 

25th,  What  security  is  required  against  the  change  or  adultera- 
tion of  goods  in  transit  from  one  district  to  another. 

26th.  What  returns,  statistical  or  otherwise,  and  statements  are 
made,  and  how  often,  and  at  v^'hat  ofifices  reports  of  the  business 
done  are  made  up;  get  forms  of  these  returns,  &c. 

27th.  What  data  these  returns  are  made  from;  how  they  come  to 
the  office  where  they  are  used  in  making  up  the  statement;  if  sub- 
jtct  to  alteration  in  any  msnner  thereafter. 
10 


146 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


28ih.  If  these  data  have  any  <»onnectlon  with  the  certificate  or 
warrant  issued  as  representative  of  the  goods;  on  what  data  that 
certificate  is  issued.  You  will  also  make  all  such  further  inquiries 
as  you  may  deem  useful  in  connexion  with  the  warehouse  system, 
or  our  foreign  commerce,  and  suggest  such  improvements  as  you 
may  deem  advisable.  It  is  not  in  the  power  of  this  department  to 
allow  you  any  extra  com^nsation  for  these  services,  but  your 
actual  expenses  will  be  paid,  including  indispensable  clerk  hire, 
and  an  amount  not  exceeding  §100,  as  you  may  find  necessa'ry  for 
the  purchase  of  books  to  aid  you  in  your  labors,  which  books  you 
will  bring  on  to  the  Treasury  Department  at  Washington. 

You  will  be  expected  to  report  in  writing,  together  or  separately, 
or  both,  the  result  of  your  inquiries  to  this  department,  on  or  be- 
fore the  20th  of  October  next,  and  to  come  on  at  the  same  time  to 
Washington  city,  for  consultation  with  this  department. 

Your  expenditures  must  be  as  economical  as  is  consistent  with 
the  proper  dischi-rge  of  your  duties. 

Very  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant, 

R.  J.  WALKER, 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 

Mr.  G.  C.  Walden  and 
Mr.  D.  P.  Barhydt. 
July  29,  1847. 


New  Yorkj  July  31,  1847. 

If  Messrs.  Barhydt  and  Walden  can  certainly  reach  here  by  the 
30th  October,  their  examination  of  the  warehouse  system  may  be 
extended  to  Havre,  France. 

R.  J.  WALKER, 
Secretary  ofjhe  Treasury. 


Washington  City,  jYovember  29,  1847. 

The  undersigned,  in  compli-ance  with  the  preceding  instructions, 
(!ated  29th  and  31st  July  last,  sailed  from  Boston  on  the  1st  of 
Augrst;  visited  the  several  ports  of  London,  Liverpool,  Birken- 
head, Antwerp,  and  Havre;  and,  returning,  left  Liverpool  on  the 
5th  of  October,  reaching  the  United  States  on  the  19th  of  the  same 
month. 

From  the  short  time  given  for  the  investigation  of  the  different 
warehousing  systems,  it  was  impossible  to  enter  fully  into  all  the 
rainuliffi  of'detail  at  all  the  ports,  as  contemplated  in  the  instruc- 
tions. 

As  the  forms  were  most  in  harmony  with  our  system,  attention 
was  particularly  directed  to  a  thorough  examination  into  the  man- 
ner of  collecting  the  revenue  at  the  different  English  ports  named; 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


147 


■and  the  duties  of  the  respective  officers  connected  therewith.  To 
the  warehousing  of  dutiable  merchandise  was  especially  devoted 
the  time  and  attention  necessary  to  an  understanding  of  the  system 
in  all  its  details.  A  system  involving  the  security  of  so  vast  an. 
amount  of  merchandise,  and  one  which,  as  there  practised,  while  it 
furnishes. the  most  ample  security  to  the  revenue,  affords  increased 
facilities  to  commerce,  and  giving 'that  nation  almost  a  monopoly 
of  the  carrying  trade  of  the  world,  would  seem  to  realize  the  hap- 
piest effort  of  the  commercial  genius  of  Great  Britain. 

At  Antwerp  and  Havre  such  general  information  as  time  permit- 
ted was  collected,  and  will  be  found  embodied  in  the  report  and 
appendices. 

The  replies  (o  the  interrogatories  contained  in  the  instructions 
Lave  been  placed  in  the  numerical  order  in  which  they  are  there 
stated,  that  being  most  convenient  for  reference. 

1.  In  Great  Britain,  the  business  of  warehousing  is  left  entirely 
to  individual  enterprise;  the  commissioners  of  customs,  in  whom 
the  management  of  the  collection  of  the  revenue  is  vested,  under 
the  control  of  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury,  stating,  generally  the 
description  of  stores,  fastenings,  &c.,  which  they  consider  requisite 
for  the  purpose,. and  all  such  stores  eligibly  situated  are  by  them 
admitted  to  be  bonded  w'arehouses,  placed  under  the  joint  lock  of 
the  customs  and  storehouse  proprietors,  and  are  free  for  the  storage 
of  dutiable  goods. 

From  the  great  rise  and  fall  of  the  tide,  it  is  almost  impossible 
for  vessels  to  discharge  at  open  piers  in  a  tide-way  as  with  us. 
This  has  led  to  the  construction  of  artificial  basins,  with  tide-gates, 
by  incorporated  companies,  as  in  London,  and  by  the  town  trustees, 
as  in  Liverpool  and  Birkenhead,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  greater 
facility  and  despatch  to  business.  In  London  these  docks  belong 
to  three  companies  with  large  capital,  viz:  the  East  and  West 
India,  London,  and  St.  Katharine's  Dock  Companies,  whose  busi- 
ness it  is  to  furnish  labor  for  the  discharge  and  loading  of  vessels, 
to  store  the  goods  and  perform  all  labor  connected  therewith. 
They  have  constructed  around  their  docks  or  basins  large  ware- 
houses, entirely  fire-proof,  with  cellars  fitted  for  storage  of  every 
description  of  merchandise,  fmd  with  every  facility  for  sampling 
and  arranging  the  goods,  and  for  public  sales. 

These  advantages  of  situation  give  to  these  companies  almost  a 
monopoly  of  the  business — they  storing  free  as  w^ell  as  dutiable  mer- 
chandise. The  government  further  facilitates  them  by  placing  in 
each  dock  a  corps  of  officers,  to  do  the  custom-house  business  con- 
nected therewith. 

These  docks  being  somewhat  distant  from  the  seat  of  business, 
the  companies  provide,  in  addition,  large  w^arehouses  in  the  city, 
to  which  they  transport  any  merchandise  required,  without  extra 
charge  to  the  owner.  And  generally,  from  their  large  means,  they 
are  enabled  to  grant  greater  facilities  than  individuals.  Their  war- 
rant or  receipt  for  merchandise,  for  the  same  reason,  is  as  current 
as  any  other  security  in  the  market,  and  loans  are  made  on  them  at 
the  lowest  rates  of  interest. 


148 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


At  Liverpool  and  Birkenhead,  the  ownership  of  the  docks  is  in 
the  hands  of  the  city  or  town  authorities,  who  select  a  portion  of 
their  number,  who,  with  a  like  number  selected  by  merchants  pay- 
ing dock  dues,  constitute  the  board  for  the  management  of  the 
docks.  In  Liverpool  the  basins  have,  with  but  one  exception,  only 
sheds  for  the  temporary  protection  of  goods  from  the  weather 
while  loading  or  discharging;  the  merchandise  being  stored  in 
private  bonded  warehouses  in  different  par.ts  of  the  city.  The  ex- 
ception referred  to  is  the  Albert  dock,  which  has  large  warehouses- 
attached,  after  the  London  plan,  and  which  has  but  lately  been 
completed.  The  docks  at  Birkenhead  are  not  yet  finished;  they 
are  to  have  warehouses  attached,  which  will  be  made  bonded 
stores.  Owing  to  some  difficulties  of  title,  the  w'ork  has  been  de- 
layed, but  will  probably  soon  be  completed;  when  so,  the  Birken- 
head docks  will,  probably,  not  be  inferior  to  any  similar  establish- 
ments in  existence. 

Plans  of  the  docks  at  the  different  ports  are  annexed.  See  ap- 
pendices A,  B,  C,  K  2,  and  W. 

The  warehouses  at  the  different  basins  are  built,  as  w^ill  be  seen 
by  reference  to  the  map,  in  large  stacks,  subdivided  into  stores 
convenient  for  the  storage  of  different  descriptions  of  goods,  con- 
taining sample  rooms,  &c.,  the  communications  between  the  different 
subdivisions  being  closed  at  night  for  security  against  fire. 

There  is  also  in  each  port,  a  store  attached  to  the  custom-house, 
designated  as  the  queen's  warehouse,  to  which  all  goods  that  may 
be  seized  for  violation  of  law,  unclaimed  passmgers'  luggage,  and 
surplus  stores  of  ships,  are  sent;  but  this  store  is  not  used  for  ware- 
housing merchandise. 

2.  The  articles  thus  stored  consist  chiefly  of  foreign  imports 
paying  the  higher  rates  of  duties,  and  those  bulky  articles  paying 
iow  duties,  on  which  the  expense  of  frequent  removals  bears  hea- 
vily.* Separate  stores  are  generally  provided  for  sugar,  molasses, 
tobacco,  teas,  silks,  cinnamon,  indigo,  and  coffee,  or  parts  of  dif- 
ferent stores  so  constructed  as  to  be  most  convenient  for  storage  of 
these  articles,  security  against  combustion,  gaining  easy  access,, 
sampling,  &.c.,  keeping  in  view^  the  greatest  economy  of  labor. 
Goods  prohibited  for  home  consumption  are  permitted  by  law  to  be 
warehoused,  such  goods  being  marked  prohibited,  and  kept  separate 
from  those  entering  into  consumption. 

The  refining  of  sugar  being  allowed  in  bond,  the  commissioners 
of  the  customs  have  power  to  make  sugar-refining  houses  bonded 
warehouses  for  such  refining.  « 

The  practice  of  making  frequent  changes  in  packages  of  goods, 
under  the  permission  of  the  commissioners  of  the  customs,  creates 
a  necessity  for  enlarged  storage  room. 

For  the  arrangements  for  storing  different  descriptions  of  goods 
in  the  East  and  West  India  docks,  London,  see  appendix  W. 

3.  The  warehouses  in  the  East  and  West  India  and  London  docks 
in  London,  are  constructed  in  a  substantial  and  fire-proof  manner, 
the  roofs  of  slate  or  tile,  and  the  doors  and  windows  of  iron.  The 
lower  floors  are  generally  of  stone,  on  arches  sustained  by  pillars- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


149 


of  stone  or  iron;,  the  upper  fioors  are  of  wood,  sustained  by  wooden 
pillars.  Trie  stores  in  these  docks  are  of  ditferent  dates  of  con- 
struction, the  more  modern  ones  embracing  the  most  approved 
modes  of  building  at  the  time.    See  appendix  W. 

In  the  St.  Katharine's  dock,  the  s'tores  having  been  more  recently 
built,  are  generally  of  a  better  description,  the  slower  stories  being 
on  arches  supported  by  iron  pillars,  and  the  floors  of  the  second 
story  of  iron  plates.  Underneath  all,  are  cellars  for  the  storage  of 
liquors,  wi-th  arched  roofs,  supported  by  iron  or  stone  columns. 
These  cellars  are  of  immense  extent,  and,  in  the  London  dock  .alone, 
comprising  twenty-two  acres.  The  floors  are  fitted  with  iron  skids 
for  the  stowage  of  the  cask?,  and  their  easy  movement  from  one 
part  to  another. 

On  the  piers  in  thes^  docks  are  also  constructed- sheds  for  the 
protection  of  merchandise  while  discharging  and  loading,  and  for 
custom-house  examination.  These  sheds  are  supported  generally 
by  iron  columns,  and  in  some  instances  have  iron  roofs,  and  rail- 
ways laid  through  them  for  the  more  convenient  removal  of  mer- 
chandise by  hand  trucks. 

The  other  bonded  warehouses  are  private  stores  of  fire-proof  con- 
struction, within  which  no  ofl[ices  or  counting-rooms  are  allowed, 
built  to  comply  with  the  circular  of  the  commissioners  of  customs, 
as  per  appendix  L. 

The  stores  in  the  Albert  dock,  Liverpool,  (the  only  dock  having 
warehouses  at  that  port,)  the  undersigned  think  the  most  perfect  in 
every  respect  which  they  visited,  being  built  entirely  of  stone  and 
iron,  no  wood  whatever  entering  into  their  construction.  They  are 
built  around  the  basin,  five  stories  in  height-  the  floors  are  of  tile, 
laid  on  archfs  throughout,  supported  by  iron  and  stone  columns, 
the  space  between  the  bricks  and  tile  being  filled  with  concrete. 
The  walls  are  three  feet  in  thickness  at  the  first  story,  diminishing 
to  eighteen  inches  at  the  roof — the  latter  being  of  tile,  and  the 
party  walls  rising  four  feet  above  it.  The  second  floor  projects,  as 
in  St.  Katharine's  dock, .to  the  water's  edge,  with  a  hatchway  in 
the  intervening  space  between  the  water  and  the  main  building; 
goods  are  thus  by  cranes  taken  from  the  vessel,  and  placed  within 
reach  of  the  hoisting  apparatus.  The  height  of  this  ceiling  being 
increased  to  admit  the  working  of  the  crane  under  it,  the  pillars 
are  notched  to  admit  of  temporary  floors  being  laid,  preventing  the 
waste  of  room  that  would  otherwise  take  place. 

The  private  warehouses  at  Liverpool  are  of  the  same  construc- 
tion generally,  as  in  London;  the  transient  sheds  referred  to  in 
No.  1,  are  built  of  brick  with  tile  or  slate  roofs. 

The  warehouses  at  Birkenhead,  are  in  progress  of  construction; 
for  particulars  of  which,  see  appendix  C. 

The  hoisting  apparatus  at  all  the  docks  in  England,  was  the  or- 
dinary crane  to  hoist  from  the  vessel,  and  in  some  instances,  to 
raise  and  lower  from  and  to  the  vaults;  but  the  general  plan  in  the 
stores  was  by  the  ordinary  wheel  and  fall,  in  general  use  in  this 
country. 

The  depth  of  water  in  the  Liverpool  docks  will  be  seen  by  ref- 


150 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


erence  to  appendix  Bj  in  the  London  dock,  appendix  A;  in  the 
St.  Katharine's,  D;  in  the  Birkenhead,  C;  and  in  the  East  and 
West  India  dock,  London,  W. 

For  descriptions  of  these  docks  more  in  detail,  and  for  full  par- 
ticulars concerning  location  and  construction  of  warehouses,  capa- 
city of  stores,  &c.,  see  appendices  A,  B,  C,  D,  K',  K%  and  W. 

4.  In  the  private  warehouses,  neither  lights  nor  fire  are  permit- 
ted by  the  customs;  but  in  their  docks,  the  regulation  of  the  mat- 
ter is  left  to  the  dock  companies.  In  their  warehouses  it  is  strict- 
ly forbidden;  but  it  is  permitted  in  the  offices  and  on  board  the 
vessels  laying  in  the  docks,  under  close  restrictions.  ''No  lucifer 
matches,  or  other  articles  of  an  inflammable  nature,  are  permitted  to 
be  housed;"  neither  are  pitch,  tar,  rosin,  gunpowder,  lucifers,  tur- 
pentine, woollen  rags,  or  waste,  or  cotton  waste,  hay  or  straw,  al- 
lowed to  be  landed  in  the  docks.  Should  any  hay  or  straw,  pitch, 
tar,  rosin,  or  turpentine,  be  brought  in  for  ship  stores,  the  articles 
may  be  put  on  board;  but  must  not  be  lodged  on  the  quays.  In 
the  vaults,  lamps  are  permitted.  In  each  dock  there  is  a  day  and 
night  police  always  on  duty,  and  a  certain  number  of  their  ser- 
vants are  drilled  to  work  the  fire  engines  belonging  to  the  compa- 
ny. The  organization  is  complete  and  perfect,  and  every  means 
used,  as  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  their  regulations,  to  guard 
against  and  extinguish  fires;  tools  are  at  hand  to  scuttle  vessels  if 
it  be  necessary,  and  they  are  subject  to  the  most  severe  regulations 
whilst  in  dock;  this  severity  being  absolutely  requisite,  as  a  fire, 
occurring  at  low  tide  and  once  obtaining  the  mastery,  could  not  be 
checked  till  all  the  shipping  were  destroyed  or  sunk. 

The  government  not  being  warehouse  proprietors  in  any  way, 
the  question  of  insurance  lies  solely  between  the  importer  and 
store  owner.  The  superior  construction  of  the  stores  in  the  docks, 
and  the  known  vigilance  exercised  by  those  companies,  makes  the 
rates  of  insurance  on  goods  deposited  there,  less  than  when  in  other 
stores.  For  ordinary  merchandise  in  private  bonded  stores,  the 
rates  average  37J  cents  for  $100,  while  in  the  docks  it  is  stated,  as 
will  be  seen  by  reference  to  appendices  D  and  W,  to  be  from  7J 
to  12J  cents  per  $100.  As  far  as  could  be  ascert.ained,  the  general 
custom  was  to  insure.  For  further  particulars,  as  regards  the  pre- 
vention and  extinguishing  of  fires,*  see  appendices  A,  K%  K^, 
and  W. 

5.  In  the  dock  w^arehouses  originally  constructed,  iron  was  not 
used  as  a  material  for  building,  being  only  used  in  some  cases  for 
braces  to  strengthen;  but  in  those  more  lately  built,  it  has  entered 
to  some  extent  into  the  construction  for  rafters,  joists,  and  floor- 
ing; for  pillars  it  has  been  more  generally  used;,  the  St.  Katha- 
rine's dock,  in  London,  and  the  Albert  dock,  at  Liverpool,  using 
iron  pillars  filled  in  with  brick,  as  the  support,  in  most  cases,  to  the 
second  floor.  The  London  dock  company  have  also  used  it  to  a 
considerable  extent,  for  pillars  in  the  last  vaults  constructed.  The 
sheds  on  the  dock  piers  at  London,  are  generally  supported  by  iron 
columns,  as  previously  mentioned;  and  the  intention  i^hereafter  to 
increase  its  use,  experience  having  demonstrated,  from  the  use  made 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


151 


of  it  in  constructing  the  large  railway  stations,  that  it  is  the  light- 
est and  best  material  for  large  sheds  and  roofs.  The  flooring  in  the 
warehouses  is  usually  made  with  reference  to  the  character  of  the 
goods  to  be  stored;  where  a  smooth  surface  is  very  requisite  for  the 
preservation  of  the  article,  iron  has  been  somewhat  used.  In  the 
Albert  docks,  before  mentioned  as  combining  the  most  modern  im- 
provementS;  tile  has  been  used,  laid  on  concrete  made  perfectly 
smooth,  for  sugar  and  molasses;  such  a  floor,  or  one  of  stone  slabs, 
being  co:isidered  the  best,  the  drainage  requiring  i*^  to  be  frequent- 
ly scraped  and  cleaned. 

The  buildings  are  kept  insured  by  the  proprietors,  the  rate  being 
from  one-sixth  to  two-sixths  sterling  per  cent.  The  merchandise 
is  generally  insured;  see  No.  4. 

It  is  difficult  to  ascertain  the  cost  of  the  different  docks,  they 
having  been  constructed  at  different  periods.  The  cost  of  the  Al- 
bert dock  was  ^£318.000. 

6.  The  custom-houses  in  London  and  Liverpool  are  near  the 
wharves,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  principal  portion  of  the  ware- 
houses. Appraisers'  stores  are  not  known,  the  appraisement  of 
goods  being  made  by  the  landing  .officer  at  the  time  of  their  land- 

7.  The  storage  of  merchandise  in  bond  in  England,  as  stated  in 
No.  1,  is  entirely  a  private  business,  the  government  having  no  in- 
terest in  any  stores  or  warehouses,  except  in  the  store  known  as 
the  Queen's  warehouse,  appropriated  solely  to  the  storage  of  seized 
goods,  stores  or  crown  property,  and  with  the  single  further  ex- 
ception of  tobacco  warehouses. 

This  article  being  subject  to  the  very  enormous  duty  of  9^.  per 
pound  on  manufactured,  and  3s.  per  pound  on  unmanufactured,  and 
thus  offering  great  temptations  for  frauds,  as  a  measure  of  safety, 
the  government  liave  hired  buildings  in  the  docks  of  London,  and 
some  equally  safe  places  in  other  ports,  under  the  sole  control  and 
the  custody  of  their  own  officers.  Experience  has  demonstrated, 
however,  that  the  property  would  be  equally  safe  under  the  usual 
restrictions;  and  we  were  informed  that  the  commissioners  of  the 
customs  contemplated  placing  it  on  the  same  footing  as  other 
goods. 

On  the  arrival  of  a  vessel,  the  consignee  of  her  cargo  may  select 
any  bonded  warehouse  for  its  storage.  The  charges  for  such  storage 
and  labor  being  a  matter  of  bargain  between  the  parties,  competition 
ensures  the  lowest  prices,  and  thus  enables  bonded  goods  to  be 
stored  at  the  lowest  rates.  Merchants  consequently  prefer  having 
'their  goods  in  bond,  and  so  common  is  the  custom,  that  as  a  general 
rule,  the  stock  of  dutiable  foreign  imports  in  Great  Britain,  except 
those  quantities  withdrawn  for  retail,  may  be  ascertained  by  the 
quantity  in  bond  on  custom-house  books. 

The  bonded  stores  are  under  joint  lock  of  the  customs  and  the 
warehou.se  proprietor,  the  importer,  unless  he  be  at  the  same  time 
the  store  ojvner,  having  no  custody;  the  store  is  under  the  charge 
of  a  customs  officer  known  as  a  locker,  who  receives,  delivers,  and 
keeps  account  of  all  goods  coming  in  or  going  from  the  store. 


152 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


The  warehouse  proprietor  is  allowed  at  any  time  during  business 
hours  to  have  access  to  any  goods  stored  on  his  premises,  but  the 
goods  cannot  be  in  any  way  changed  from  their  original  character 
without  the  previous  permission  of  the  commissioners  of  custom?; 
they  may,  however,  be  changed  from  warehouse  to  warehouse,  and 
from  one  port  to  another  without  payment  of  duty,  under  the  for- 
malities hereinafter  set  forth. 

8.  The  amount  of  gooHs  in' bond  in  the  different  warehouses  it 
was  impossible  to  ascertain  with  any  degree  of  correctness;  but, 
when  the  capacity  of  the  stores  of  the  dock  companies,  and  the 
large  number  of  other  stores  used  for  that  purpose,  are  considered, 
it  must  necessarily  be  very  great.    The  capacity  of  the  warehouses 

^in  and  connected  with  the  docks  in  London  may  be  estimated  at 
600jC00  tons.  Many  free  goods  being  stored  by  these  companies, 
the  dutiable  quantity  could  not  be  estimated. 

For  the  rates  of  storage  in  London  docks,  see  Appendix  A. 

For         do         in  St  Katharine,  D. 

For         do         in  Queen's  warehouse,  M.  page  337. 

For         do         in  Albert's  dock,  B. 

For  do  in  East  and  West  India  ^'  W. 
These  rates  are  generally  higher  than  in  private  stores,  ''ut  the 
advantages  of  greater  security  in  storage,  and  facility  of  access  to 
the  property,  with  cheaper  insurance  and  greater  despatch  in  busi- 
ness, cause  them  to  be  generally  preferred.  As  a  general  rule, 
there  is  no  diminution  of  rates  of  storage  in  corisideration  of  the 
length  of  time,  except  on  wood  and  on  wines. 

Goods  are  permitted  to  remain  in  bond  three  years,  at  the  end 
of  which  time  the  commissioners  of  customs  have  power  to  extend 
the  time;  w^hich  is  generally  done  from  time  to  time,  unless  in 
cases  of  deterioration  of  property.  The  surplus  stores  of  a  ship  are 
not  permitted  to  remain  in  Queen's  warehouse  over  one  year,  they 
being  then  sold  for  charges  and  duty.  Dock  companies  have  been 
given  the  power  by  charter  to  sell  any  perishable  goods  for  charges 
in  two  months,  and  other  goods  in  twelve  months,  first  paying  to 
the  customs  the  duty. 

There  is  no  distinction  or  separation  of  goods  designed  for  con- 
sumption or  exportation,  except  in  the  case  of  goods  prohibited 
for  home  consumption  and  imported  for  exportation;  such  goods 
are  marked  prohibited  and  stored  separately.  These  goods,  on  land- 
ing, are  generally  placed  in  the  most  convenient  situations  for  ex- 
portation, but  there  are  no  stores  used  expressly  for  that  purpose; 
what  are  termed  export  sheds  in  each  dock  being  used  for  the  tem- 
porary receipt  and  examination  of  goods  before  going  on  board  the 
vessel. 

9.  The  mode  of  entering  goods  for  warehousing,  is  by  an  entry 
and  two  copies;  one  copy  lor  the  collector,  and  one  for  the  comp- 
troller of  customs;  the  original  entry,  after  bond  given,  going 
to  the  warehousing  department,  where  it  is  copied  into  the  land- 
ing officer's  book.  These  books  are  registered  in  this  cUpartment 
before  being  issued  to  the  landing  officer. 

The  importer  is  not  required  to  subdivide  his  entry  into  parcels, 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


153 


unless  the  description  of  goods  imported  renders  it  necessary.  A 
separate  entry  is  made  for  different  descriptions  of  goods,  however, 
as  sugars,  nutmegs,  liquors,  &c. 

Separate  landing  books  are  prepared  at  the  custom-house  for 
free,  dutiable,  and  for  warehouse  goods,  the  warehouse  entry  always 
givir.g  the  store  to  which  the  goods  are  going.  Into  these  books 
the  particulars  of  the  entry  are  copied,  and  the  officer  immediately 
underneath  makes  his  return,  weighing,  measuring  and  marking 
such  goods  as  require  it,  and  giving  in  his  book,  a  full  and  com- 
plete account  of  the  goods. 

On  those  for  warehouse,  he  marks  the  initials  of  ship  and  mas- 
ter, the  time  of  import  and  weight,  if  necessary. 

Liquors  he  causes  to  be  gauged,  giving  returns  thereof  and  of 
the  proof  of  each  cask,  entering  every  particular  in  his  landing 
book.  The  goods  are  then  sent  to  their  different  destinations,-  the 
officer  taking  care  that  those  f  r  warehouse,  go  by  proper  persons, 
and  designating  the  route  if  necessary.  A  ticket  is  sent  with  each 
load,  and  at  fhe  close  of  each  day's  business,  the  landing  officer's 
return  is  examined  with  the  account  of  the  locker  at  the  store,  thus 
daily  securing  a  correct  delivery  of  the  goods.  This  landing  bo 7k 
is  not  allowed  to  have  any  leaves  abstracted  or  calculations  erased  ; 
every  leaf  is  stamped  and  must  be  accounted  for. 

Great  care  is  taken  to  maSe  it  contain  a  perfect  description  of 
the  goods,  as  it  forms  the  basis  of  all  the  warehouse  accounts. 

For  particulars  of  the  practice  in  detail,  and  for  the  forms  of  all 
descriptions  of  entries  and  landing-book,  see  appendices  E,  G,  F, 
and  W. 

The  certificate  issued  or  given  to  the  person  who  enters  goods 
in  warehouse  is  issued  by  the  party  who  receives  them  on  storage. 
As  such,  it  is  considered  as  evidence  of  property,  and  is  further 
secured  by  act  of  parliament,  securing  the  holder  of  such  certifi- 
cate in  the  perfect  ownership  of  the  merchandise;  for*  which,  see 
appendix  B,  page  536. 

Its  value,  however,  depends,  in  a  great  degree  upon  the  char- 
acter and  reputation  of  the  party  issuing  it.  Consequently  those 
issued  by  the  dock  companies  of  London  are  entitled  to  the  highest 
credit.  Loans  are  made  on  such  certificates  by  all  banks  and 
bankers,  and  not.  by  any  particular  class,  at  the  current  market 
rates  for  the  best  securities,  and  they  rank  generally  as  among  the 
best  in  the  market.  No  endorsers  are  required.  The  aggregate 
amount  of  such  loans  it  was  impossible  to  ascertain.  For  forms  of 
such  certificates,  see  appendices  A  and  E. 

10.  The  aggregate  amount  of  goods  warehoused  at  each  of  the 
ports  visited  J  it  was  impossible  to  ascertain  with  correctness.  For 
the  amount  warehoused  during  the  year  by  the  East  and  West  India 
Dock  company,  see  appendix  \V.  Ihe  amount  of  value  of  merchan- 
dise in  warehouse  in  Great  Britain  is  estimated  at  $387,200,000; 
stored  at  London,  in  docks  and  private  warehouses,  costing,  as  near 
as  could  be.ascertained,  $10,000,000. 

The  entire  number  of  stores  and  warehouses,  and  their  dimen- 
sions, it  vvas  also  impossible,  from  want  of  time  and  facilities,  to 


154 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


estimate,  and  no  recorded  account  could  be  found.  Of  the  three 
great  docks  at  London  before  mentioned,  however,  the  dimensions 
appear  in  appendices  A,  D,  and  W. 

Different  forms  are  used  in  entering  goods  for  consumption  and 
re-exportation,  as  per  appendices  E,  G,  and  W.  In  cases  of  re- 
exportation of  goods,  a  bond  in  double  the  amount  of  duty,  with 
one  surety,  is  required  for  their  delivery  at  the  foreign  port  of  des- 
tinaiion,  and  they  are  carried  to  be  shipped  under  the  care  of  a 
proper  officer  of  the  customs,  and  by  such  ways  as  he  shall  au- 
thorize; otherwise  they  are  forfeited.  An  entry  for  export  may 
be  dispensed  with,  a  certificate  of  bond  having  been  given,  being 
sufficient  authority  for  the  warehouse  keeper  to  deliver  for  ship- 
ment. Goods,  after  entry  and  landing,  may  be  entered  and  shipped 
for  re-exportation  without  actual  lodging  in  warehouse,  being  con- 
sidered as  constructively  warehoused;  and  the  account  taken  for 
the  re-wareLousing  may  serve  as  the  account  for  delivering  the 
goods  for  payment  of  duties  or  for  shipping. 

In  cases  of  transportation  of  goods  from  port  to  port,  coastwise, 
by  railway,  or  otherwise,  twelve  hours'  notice  in  writing  of  the  in- 
tention to  remove  must  be  given  to  the  warehousing  officer.  Entry 
is  made,  and  bond  for  delivery  at  the  port  of  destination  is  given 
in  double  the  amount  of  duty,  with  one  surety,  specifying  the  mode 
of  conveyance  and  time  allowed  for  the  transit.  By  land  carriage, 
this  is,  in  stage  coaches  or  railways,  7  days;  any  other  description 
of  wheel  carriage,  14  days  ;  by  inland  navigation,  one  month  ; 
coastwise,  in  steam  vessels,  14  days;  in  sailing  vessels,  not  exceed- 
ing tw^o  months.  On  presentation  of  a  certificate  that  bond  with 
security  has  been  given,  the  warehouse  keeper  may  deliver  the 
goods  for  removal  the  same  as  if  an  entry  had  been  made  and 
passed  for  the  same,  he  endorsing  the  delivery  on  the  certificate. 

The  officers,  upon  satisfying  themselves  that  the  packages  are  in 
the  same  sta^e  as  when  imported,  may  permit  them  to  be  reihoved 
without  being  re-weighed.  Each  package  is  to  be  marked  with  its 
contents  when  practicable. 

In  cases  of  the  deposit  of  transported  goods  in  warehouses,  for 
which  security  is  required,  but  for  which  the  proprietor  has  not 
given  bond,  the  removal  bond  remains  in  force  until  a  proprietor 
of  the  warehouse,  or  purchaser  of  the  goods,  gives  a  fresh  bond. 

When  necessary,  the  officers  at  the^  port  of  arrival  may  call  upon 
the  consignees  of  goods  to  pass  the  proper  entries  for  the  same. 

Upon  entry  being  made  and  bond  taken  for  the  removal  of  goods, 
a  letter  of  advice,  cont-^ining  an  account  of  all  particulars,  stating 
mode  of  conveyance,  time  allowed  for  transportation,  marks,  num- 
bers, and  description  of  packages,  contents,  quantity  and  quality, 
is  transmitted  from  the  port  of  removal  to  the  port  of  destination. 
And  from  the  port  of  arrival,  after  entry  made,  is  transmitted  to 
the  port  of  removal  a  certified  account  of  the  goods  as  they  find 
them,  which  is  noted  in  the  books  at  the  port  of  removal.  If  all 
is  correct,  the  bond  is  discharged.  If  the  goods  do  not  arrive  by 
the  same  conveyance  named  in  the  letter  ot  advice,  the  fact  is  sta- 
ted in  the  certificate. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


155 


The  bond  for  re-warehousing  of  the  goods  may  be  given  either 
at  the  port  of  removal  or  of  destination.  If  it  be  given  at  the  port 
of  destination,  a  certificate  thereof  is,  at  the  time  of  entering  the 
goods  for  transportation,  produced  at  the  port  of  removal. 

If  the  time  allowed  for  removal,  which  is  according  to  the  con- 
veyance, as  before  stated,  has  elapsed  without  advice  having  been 
received  at  the  port  of  removal  of  the  arrival  of  the  goods  at  the 
port  of  destination,  the  officers  of  the  last  named  port  are  called  on 
for  an  explanation  of  the  cause;  and,  if  the  merchandise  has  not 
yet  arrived,  the  matter  is  forthwith  represented  to  the  board  of 
commissioners  of  the  customs  for  directions. 

For  copies  of  all  bonds,  letter  of  advice,  certificates,  and  forms, 
generally  given  in  connexion  with  warehoused  goods,  and  details 
of  practice,  see  appendices  G,  E,  F,  and  W.  The  commissioners  of 
the  customs,  in  appointing  warehouses  for  the  reception  of  dutiable 
goods,  require  general  bond,  with  two  sureties,  from  the  proprie- 
tors thereof,  whether  individuals  or  companies,  for  the  full  duties 
of  importation  on  all  such  goods  as  shall  at  any  time  be  ware- 
housed therein,  or  for  their  due  exportation. 

If  the  proprietor  be  not  willing  to  give  such  security,  the  differ- 
ent importers  are  required  to  give  bond  upon  their  several  impor- 
tations in  double  the  amount  of  duty,  with  one  surety.  The  system 
of  general  bond  (it  possessing  many  advantages)  prevails  in  prac- 
tice. 

If  goods  are  destroyed  or  lost  by  any  unavoidable  accident, 
either  on  shipboard  or  in  landing  or  shipping,  or  in  receiving  into 
or  delivering  from  warehouse,  or  whilst  in  warehouse,  the  duties 
are  remitted. 

When  goods  depos  ted  in  warehouse,  for  which  general  bond 
has  not  been  given  by  the  proprietor,  but  special  bond  by  the  im- 
porter, are  sold,  the  importer's  bond  may  be  given  up,  and  that  of 
the  purchaser  taken  in  lieu. 

Goods  are  not  received  back  int.o  warehouse  after  delivery 
therefrom. 

11.  The  warehouse  companies  were  the  only  sources  from  which 
any  information  in  answer  to  this  question  could  be  derived.  (See 
appendices  K^,  A,  D,  and  W,  where  a  full  description  of  the 
books,  and  the  number  and  character  of  the  clerks  and  other  offi- 
cers, is  given.)  The  labor  is  performed  by  the  warehouse  proprie- 
tors; and  from  that  source  and  the  storage  their  revenue  is  derived: 
the  truckage,  loading  and  unloading,  shipment  and  exhibition  of 
goods,  &c.,  are  all  performed  by  them. 

Merchants  a;e  allowed  to  take  certain  quTntities  of  goods  free  of 
duty  as  samples,  (see  appendix  N,)  and  by  such  samples,  or  by 
comparison,  sales  are  made  by  brokers  or  by  public  sale. 

Counting  rooms  are  not  allowed  in  stores  where  goods  are  bond- 
ed— the  entire  building  being  under  the  customs  lock.  Importers, 
generally,  have  no  stores  attached  to  their  counting-houses — depo- 
siting all  their  consignments  with  the  dock  companies,  or  other 
warehouses — they  or  their  authorized  clerks  being  allowed  access 
to  their  goods  at  any  time  within  business  hours,  accorap  anie 


156 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


an  officer  of  the  customs;  or,  if  they  have  stores,  they  use  them 
generally  for  free  goods,  preferring  to  deposite  them  with  known 
a^d  established  warehouse  proprietors,  on  account  of  the  value  of 
the  certificates  of  deposite  or  warrant,  as  a  basis  for  loans  and  a 
facility'for  sales. 

12.  The  out-door  officers,  transacting  the  customs  business  con- 
necttd  with  warehousing,  are  the  surveyor  general,  inspector  gen- 
eral, landing  surveyors  and  landing  waiters,  and  lockers;  in  doors, 
the  warehouse  comptroller,  warehouse  keeper,  warehouse  registrar, 
and  jecquer,  and  their  respective  clerks.  For  the  duties  of  each 
officer,  and  all  others  connected  with  the  collection  and  security  of 
the  revenue,  see  appendix  0,  Nos.  1  to  33. 

From  the  evident  disinclination  on  the  part  of  gentlemen  to  an- 
swer the  inquiries  as  to  compensation,  the  undersigned  forebore  lo 
press  the  question.  The  compensation  paid  to  their  officers  and 
servants  by  the  East  and  West  India  Dock  Company,  however,  is 
stated  in  appendix  W. 

13.  The  warehouses  are  kept  open  for  the  transaction  of  busi- 
ness from  8,  a.  m.,  to  4,  p.  m.,  from  1st  of  March  to  31st  October; 
and  from  9,  a.  m.,  to  4,  p.  m.,  for  the  rest  of  the  year.  The  same 
hours  of  attendance  are  req^uired  from  the  customs  officers  attached 
thereto. 

The  water  to  extinguish  fires  is  procured  from  hydrants,  and 
from  the  river;  the  East  and  West  India,  the  London,  and  St. 
Katharine  docks,  have  each,  in  addition  to  the- usual  fire  engines 
belong. ng  to,  and  kept  within,  the  dock  walls,  a  floating  fire  engine 
kept  in  constant  readiness,  which  can  at  any  moment  be  set  to 
\vork,  throwing  water  at  the  rate  of  200  gallons  per  minute.  (See 
appendices  A,  K^,  and  W.)  Naval  stores,  gun-powder,  hemp,  flax, 
lucifer  matches,  acids,  hay,  and  straw,  woollen  and  cotton  rags,  or 
waste,  and  spirits,  are  considered  combustible  articles,  and  none  of 
them  (see  No.  4  of  this  report)  are  allowed  in  the  docks,  'except 
spirits,  hemp,  and  flax. 

The  combustible  articles  excluded  are  stored  in  yards  in  the  su- 
burbs of  the  city.  No  prohibition  of  warehousing  is  made  of  per- 
ishable goods;  they  are  allowed  to  be  warehoused,  if  desired — the 
watchfulness  of  the  warehouse  proprietors,  in  securing  their  storage 
by  sale  before  the  property  becomes  deteriorated  in  quality,  secu- 
ring the  government  against  loss. 

14.  The  expense  attending  difl*erent  descriptions  of  goods,  it 
"was  impossible  to  arrive  at,  (except  ^o  far  as  the  rates  of  storage 
were  concerned,  as  per  the  printed  rates  in  appendices  A,  B,  D,) 
the  cost  depending  upon  the  degree  of  labor  required  for  samp- 
ling, &c. 

As  a  general  rule,  as  has  been  before  remarked,  all  dutiable  im- 
ports, except  small  importations  for  retailers,  are  put  in  bond 
under  customs  lock.  This  has  arisen  from  the  credit  thus  obtained 
for  the  duties;  whilst  equal  facilities,  if  not  greater,  are  given  for 
sale,  either  for  consumption  or  exportation,  with  all  the  privileges 
of  sampling,  repacking,  dividing  packages,  sorting,  &c.,  that  an 
importer  could  have  in  his  own  store;  and,  unless  he  should  be  in 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


157 


?:  large  business,  and  compelled  necessarily  to  have  warehouses  at- 
ached  to  his  counting-room,  at  a  much  cheaper  rate. 

The  business  of  storing  bonded  goods  has  been  reduced  to  a  sys- 
tem, and  has  become  as  regular  a  business  as  !iny  in  Great  Britain. 
The  consequence  is,  great  competition,  the  lowest  possible  rates, 
-,nd  every  facility  for  the  importer  to  make  what  disposition  he 
nay  subsequently  choose  of  his  property. 

Free  goods  are  stored  in  the  dock  warehouses,  but  in  separate 
stores  from  dutiable  goods;  the  customs  officer  of  course  taking  no 
cognizance  of  them.  Goods  are  allowed  to  remain  after  the  duty 
is  paid,  that  being  a  mere  question  of  storage  between  the  parties, 
the  government  taking  no  farther  interest  in  their  disposition. 

The  dock  companies  are  allow^ed  by  law  to  make  a  warehouse 
entry  for  all  unclaimed  goods,  remaining  unpermitted  48  hours 
after  a  vessel  begins  to  discharge  at  their  docksj  they  giving  bonds 
for  the  duty;  they  are  allowed  to  hold  the  same  a  given  time,  ac- 
cording to  the  description  of  goods,  selling  them  for  charges,  freight 
and  duty.  If  goods  should  remain  unclaimed  on  board  a  vessel  not 
discharging  at  one  of  the  docks,  the  captain  may,  after  fourteen 
days,  send  them,  to  the  Queen's  warehouse,  to  be  sold  at  the  expi- 
ration of  three  months,  the  proceeds,  after  deducting  duty,  freight 
and  other  charges,  to  be  held  for  account  of  the  ov/ners. 

15.  The  warehouses  are  constructed  with  party  walls,  separating 
the  floors  in  divisions,  and  with  double  iron  doors  and  stone  stair- 
cases. There  is  a  suitable  space  reserved  between  each  stack  of 
warehouses. 

The  light  and  ventilation  are  perfect.  The  windows  of  each  of 
the  warehouses  are  secured  by  shutters  either  wholly  of  or  cased 
with  iron.  The  docks  are  separated  from  private  buildings  by  a 
boundary  wall,  see  appendices  page  188,  and  W.  The  superin- 
tendent of  the  docks  is  required  daily,  after  the  close  of  business, 
to  visit  every  store  and  examine  whether  the  doors  separating  the 
stores  and  those  separating  the  staircase  from  each  floor  are  closed, 
but  not  locked,  and  another  officer  visits  the  stores  each  morning 
to  see  that  the  duty  has  been  performed  and  to  report  violations. 

16.  In  the  new  warehouses  building  at  Birkenhead,  a  railway 
connecting  with  the  roads  to  Manchester,  Birmingham,  London, 
and  other  principal  places  in  Great  Britain,  has  been  constructed  so 
as  to  admit  of  discharging  or  receiving  goods  immediately  from  the 
carriages  into  the  stores.  Between  each  row  of  stores  is  an  avenue 
on  which  are  laid  three  lines  of  rails,  one  passing  close  to  the  build- 
ings on  each  side,  and  a  third  in  the  centre  to  receive  the  carriages 
when  loaded  or  discharged.  Immediately  within  the  dock  walls  is 
a  scale  on  the  railway  for  weighing  the  carriages,  a  plan  of  which 
is  annexed  in  appendix  C.  Goods  for  any  part  of  Great  Britain 
inay*thus,  directly,  upon  passing  the  doors  of  the  Warehouses,  be 
placed  in  course  of  transit  without  any  further  charge  for  labor. 

It  is  in  contemplation,  likewise,  to  bring  the  Manchester  road 
into  the  new  docks  now  building  in  the  northern  part  of  Liverpool. 
At  Antwerp,  the  railway  to  Cologne,  Paris  or  Ostend,  starts  from 
the  entrepot,  thus  affording  great  facilities  for  goods  destined  for 


158 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Germany  or  France,  and  also  those  to  be  shipped  from  those  coua- 
trirs;  goods  passing  through  Belgium  are  placed  in  a  railway  car- 
riage in  the  Antwerp  w^arehouse,  the  customs  lock  is  placed  on  it, 
and  the  conductor  of  the  railway  delivers  it  intact  at  the  frontier 
to  which  it  is  destined,  thus  giving  facilities  and  despatch  impos- 
sible with  any  other  mode  of  conveyance. 

The  time  occupied  in  warehousing  cargoes  of  goods  depends 
greatly  upon  circumstances — as  delays  arising  from  dischari^ing 
parts  of  the  cargo  into  lighters  to  go  to  other  warehouses,  waiting 
for  ballast,  and  for  entries  at  the  custom-house.  The  last  named 
cause  is,  however,  to  a  certain  extent,  obviated,  the  dock  companies 
having  special  power  to  enter  all  goods  unclaimed  in  48  hours. 

The  celerity  with  which  a  cargo  may  be  landed  and  warehoused, 
may  be  judged  of  by  the  following  statement  of  the  time  expended 
in  discharging  goods  by  the  St.  Katharine's  Dock  Company — eight 
hours,  including  half  an  hour  for  refreshments.  (See  appendix  D.) 


Tallow,  casks  

Flour,  barrels  

Cotton,  bales  

Hides,  dried  

Sugar,  bags  

l3o    Havana,  chests  

Do  hhds  

Hemp,  bales  

Do    and  flax,  tons  

Oil  in  casks  and  butts  

Brandy,  puncheons  

Wine,  pipes,  hhds.  and  quarter  casks 

Indigo,  chests  ,  

Coffee,  bags   


Greatest  des- 
patch. 


1.^006 
4,568 
1,203 
3,800 
7,400 
1,500 
350 
1,161 
86 
290 
336 
529 
1,131 
5,450 


Ordinary  des- 
patch. 


550 
2,000 
500 
2,500 
3,000 
550 
250 
500 
50 
100 
200 
250 
450 
2,000; 


See  also  E,  of  appendix  W,  for  time  of  the  East  and  West  India 
Dock. 

In  shipping  ^oods  from  the  warehouse,  the  goods  are  delivered 
into  the  vessel  as  fast  as  the  crew  can  stow  them  away.  The  time, 
therefore,  is  influenced  by  the  activity,  or  otherwise,  of  the  captain 
and  crew. 

No  such  practice  is  permitted  as  using  a  vessel  as  a  warehouse, 
but  goods  having  been  landed  and  examined  may  be  considtfred  as 
constructively  warehoused,  and  exported  or  transported  in  bond  to 
another  port.  Goods  at  such  second  port  may  be  entered  at  once 
for  consumption  without  actually  going  into  store,  being  again  con-i 
sidered  as  constructively  w^arehoused. 

17.  The  rewarehousing  of  merchandise  at  second  port  is  done  in 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


159 


the  same  manner  as  at  port  of  iraportatiorij  and  entry  made  in  same 
manner.  When  the  merchandise  has  been  received  in  store,  notice 
of  its  receipt  is  forwarded  to  the  port  from  whence  received,  which 
cancels  the  bond  given  for  the  safe  transit.  (See  No.  10  of  this 
report.)  If  the  goods  are  again  shippedj  the  forms  are  repeated; 
no  difference  being  made  whatever,  whether  the  warehouse  port  be 
changed  once  or  oftener. 

The  goods,  when  rewarehoused,  are  held  on  the  terms  of  the 
first  warehousing.  The  time  of  remaining  is  reckoned  from  the 
day  of  the  first  warehousing,  and  the  goods  can  remain  in  bond  no 
longer  than  three  years  fram  that  date. 

18.  Goods  exported  in  bond  are  shipped  under  control  of  a  cus- 
toms officer,  who  designates  the  manner,  route,  and  conveyance. 
The  draym(n  and  porters  are  not  under  the  control  of  the  govern- 
ment, except  being  licensed  as  such  by  the  local  authorities. 

When  goods  are  removed  from  one  warehouse  to  another  in  the 
same  port,  as  may  be  done  upon  permission  being  given  by  the 
commissioners  of  customs,  they  are  accompanied  by  an  officer. 

19.  The  object  of  the  British  government  being  to  make  their 
country  the  entrepot  of  the  world,  the  practice  is  to  grant  to  mer- 
chants warehousing  goods,  the  utmost  facil ity  consistently  with  the 
security  of  the  revenue.  The  description  and  character  of  pack- 
ages may  be  changed,  new  packages  substituted,  &c.,  so  as  to  suit 
the  different  foreign  markets.  All  sorting,  separating,  repairing, 
and  alterations,  that  may  be  judged  necessary  for  the  preservation, 
sale,  shipment,  or  legal  disposal  of  goods,  are  permitted;  applica- 
tion having  bten  first  made  to  the  commissioners  of  the  revenue, 
in  whom  the  sole  authority  is  vested  to  grant  permission  for  mak- 
ing such  alterations. 

These  alterations,  and  all  necessary  repairs,  are  made  under  the 
supervision  of  an  officer  of  the  customs,  and  by  the  warehousti  pro- 
prietors at  the  expense  of  the  owner 'of  the  goods,  \Yho  gives  spe- 
cial directions  as  to  the  nature  of  the  operations.  Such  repairs  as 
are  necessary  to  put  the  packages  in  good  order  for  stowage  and 
safety  being  required  at  landing,  before  they  are  placed  in  ware- 
house. 

Sugar  refiners  may  remove  sugars  and  molasses  to  premises  under 
the  locks  of  the  crown,  approved  of  by  the  commissioners  of  cus- 
toms for  refining  the  same;  giving  bond  to  refine  such  sugars  and 
molasses,  and  that  the  total  of  refined  sugar,  and  the  treacle  pro- 
duced by  the  process,  shall  be  duly  exported  or  returned  to  a 
bonded  warehouse  within  four  months. 

And  such  sugar  and  molasses  may  be  transported  to  other  ports, 
ihe  gross  weight  and  tare  being  marked  on  the  cask,  and  a  sample 
transmitted  to  the  port  of  destination,  with  the  letter  of  advice. 

Spiiits  and  wines  may  be  bottled  for  exportation  as  stores. 

Brandy,  in  warehouse,  Eiay  be  added  to  wines  in  quantities  not 
exceeding  one  to  ten.  In  cases  of  diminution  of  quantities  in 
packages  of  spirits  and  wines,  they  may  be  filled  up  from  other 
packages  of  the  sara.e;  and  the  casks  so  emptied  may  be  withdrawn 
from  warehouse  free  of  duty.    Wine  may  be  racked  from  the  lees, 


160 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


and  may  be  mixed  with  othe*r  wine  of  the  same  description,  all  im- 
port brands  being  erased  from  the  casks,  and  the  lees  may  be 
destroyed  without  payment  of  duty  thereon.  Separate  vaults  are 
appropriated  for  the  bottling  of  spirits  and  wines.  In  no  case  rum 
to  be  bottled,  or  deposited  before  or  after  bottling,  in  same  ware- 
houses as  wines.  In  repacking,  the  excf  ss  of  quantity  may  be,  if 
good,  entered  for  consumption;  if  worthless,  destroyed,  and  the 
quantities  marked  on  the  new  packages,  and  such  is  deemed  the 
imported  package.  No  foreign  casks,  bottles,  corks,  or  other  ma- 
terial, are  used,  except  such  as  the  goods  were  originally  contained 
in,  without  such  articles  having  been  entered,  and  the  duties  paid 
thereon. 

Damaged  goods,  cloths,  &c.,  are  allowed  to  be  taken  from  ware- 
houses, and  cleaned,  pressed,  &c. 

Pongees  and  other  white  silks  to  be  printed,  dyed,  or  cleansed, 
handkerchiefs  to  be  hemmed,  also  indigo,  nutmegs,  rhubarb,  &c., 
to  be  sorted  and  separated  for  repacking  with  reference  to  quality. 

Rice  or  paddy  may  be  cleaned  in  warehouse;  copper  and  lead 
be  taken  to  extract  silver,  the  whole  weight  being  returned  or  ac- 
counted for. 

Timber  may  be  sawn  in  bond,  four  inches  to  be  left  at  the  end. 
Grain  may  be  taken  from  warehouse  an'd  kiln-dried;  grain  in  bulk 
may  be  put  in  bags. 

Perishable  and  valuable  goods  may  be  landed  from  vessels  in 
distress,  inward  or  outward  bound,  and  be  removed  for  cleansing 
and  making  merchantable,  bond  being  given  for  their  return  to  a 
warehouse  in  three  months. 

Spirits  are  vatted,  the  casks  being  emptied  into  vats  varying  in 
capacity  from  5,000  to  15,000  gallons.  On  being  returned  to  the 
casks,  the  letter  V  is  cut  in  the  head,  w^ith  numbers  indicating  the 
various  importations,  combined  in  a  certain  vatting,  of  which  the 
c^sk  forms  a  part.  Samples  are  previously  taken  from  each  pack- 
age— two  from  each;  one  is  retained  at  the  warehouse,  and,  when 
a  quantity  has  accumulated,  these  are  mixed,  returned  into  casks, 
and  sold  for  the  government.  The  equivalent  sample  is  retained 
by  the  merchant,  government  not  collecting  duties  on  his  sam- 
ples.. On  W'ines  and  spirits  in  bottles  being  sampled,  the  amount 
taken  must  be  returned  and  the  bottles  recorked.  See  appendix 
M,  pages  346  to  350. 

The  dock  w'arrant  being- the  representative  of  the  value  of  the 
spirits,  the  credit  of  the  dock  company  is  pledged  to  express  what 
the  article  is.  The  vatting  and  the  combination  of  qualities  are 
therefore  indicated  by  the  characters  cut  upon  the  head  of  the 
cask. 

Whilst  permitting  the  mixing  of  the  different  qualities  of  liquors 
-01  the  same  sort,  no  mixing  of  different  kinds  of  spirits  is  allowed, 
except  when  to  be  exported,  save  in  the  case  of  brandy  and  wine, 
before  named;  and  in  all  cases  of  vatting  and  mixing,  the  import 
marks  are  erased  from  the  cask. 

Upon  any  alterations  being  made  in  the  packages,  the  warehouse 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57, 


161 


proprietors  require  the  warrants  given  therefor  to  be  previously- 
lodged  with  them. 

The  accumulations  of  sugar  and  molasses  on  the  floors  of  the 
warehouses  are  periodically  scraped  and  weighed,  and  an  allowance 
of  one  third  of  the  quantity  being  made  for  dirt,  if  molasses,  and 
of  three  fourths,  if  sugar,  the  duty  is  c6llected  on  the  remainder. 

Brandy  is  permitted  to  be  imported  in  small  casks  of  ten  and  fif- 
teen gallons,  and  warehoused  when  intended  for  exportation  to 
Mexico  and  South  America. 

To  guard  against  adulteration  of  wines  and  liquors  in  transit, 
samples  are  taken,  and  the  proof  and  quality  stated  in  the  letter  of 
advice  containing  particulars.  If,  after  arrival  at  the  port  of  des- 
tination, and  comparison  with  the  letter  of  advice,  adulteration  is 
suspected,  the  samples  are  transmitted  from  the  port  of  removal, 
and  a  comparison  is  made  therevvith.  The  casing  of  packages  is 
BOt  required. 

20.  The  guards  against  violations  of  warehouse  rules,  or  any  mis- 
appropriation of  the  property,  are  the  bond  and  the  joint  custody  of 
the  government  and  the  warehouse  proprietor.  To  insure  the 
safety  of  the  property,  laws  have  been  passed  (in  warehousing  act 
8  and  9  Vic,  chap.  91,  sections  10,  11,  12,  13)  securing  to  the  im- 
porter at  all  times  easy  access  to  his  goods,  and  the  immedi^ite  pro- 
duction of  the  same  when  required;  also  laying  heavy  penalties  on 
the  proprietors  for  any  person  having  access  to  the  property  except 
in  presence  of  the  locker  or  customs  officer,  and  for  the  propiietor, 
or  any  other  person,  assisting  in  any  way  in  fraudulently  remov- 
ing the  same  from  the  stores,  or  in  subsequently  concealing  it,  and 
making  the  proprietor  liable  for  the  duty  on  goods  so  removed. 
Should  the  officer  embezzle,  waste,  or  spoil  any  of  the  property 
committed  to  his  custody,  he  is  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor, 
and  punished  accordingly;  and  if  such  officer  be  prosecuted  to  con- 
viction by  the  importer,  consignee,  or  proprietor  of  such  merchan- 
dise, the  government  repays  the  amount  so  embezzled,  &c.  See 
same  act,  chap. -91,  sec.  47. 

No  security  is  required  from  the  lockers,  it  forming  one  of  the  few 
exceptions  to  the  general  rule  of  requiring  securities,  and  the  ex- 
ception is  probably  made,  from  the  fact  that  it  is  not  in  his  power 
alone,  to  embezzle  or  waste  the  property  under  his  care. 

The  different  dock  companies  punish  irregularity  and  disobe- 
dience of  their  rules  and  regulations  by  their  servants  with  suspen- 
sion for  the  first  offence.and  dismissal  for  the  second. 

Inebriety  or  dishonesty  is  punished  by  peremptory  discharge. 
For  further  details  of  checks  and  penalties  see  appendices  K*  and 
K\ 

21.  The  guards  against  burglary  and  theft,  in  the  docks  of  the 
company,  depend  chiefly  upon  the  internal  police;  their  stores  being 
surrounded  by  walls,  and  having  officers  stationed  at  each  gatej  the 
property  becomes  very  secure  ?gainst  em Jezzlement.  In  the  pri- 
vate warehouses  due  regard  is  had  to  the  fastenings  required,  as 
will  be  seen  by  reference  to  appendix  L. 

The  goods  sfored  with  the  dock  companies  are  generally  ex- 
11 


162 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


amined  only  once  in  three  years,  though  an  examination  of  particu- 
lar lots  is  more  frequently  made.  The  great  capitals  of  these  com- 
panies, and  the  admirable  manner  \n  which  they  conduct  their  busi- 
ness generally,  together  with  their  vigilant  police  regulations,  ren- 
der the  government  less  exact  than  with  private  stores.  The  offi- 
cer (locker)  in  charge  of  the  latter  stores  keeps  a  daily  account  of 
all  receipts  and  deliveries,  and  also  a  general  storage  leger,  show- 
kig  the  party  storing,  the  nature  of  the  goods,  and  the  part  of  the 
building  in  which  stored.  He  is  under  the  daily  supervision  of  an 
officer  termed  a  superintendent  locker,  whose  duty  it  is  to  visit 
each  store  and  see  that  these  duties  are  properly  performed.  Hijt 
receipt  and  delivery  book  is  also  daily  examined  by  the  books  of 
the  officer  discharging  cargoes  for  such  store  and  by  his  orders  for 
delivery.  These  officers  are,  once  in  each  year,  transferred  to  an- 
other store,  and  their  account  of  goods  on  hand  is  examined  by 
their  successor,  who  then  becomes  responsible  for  the  property. 

The  storage  and  other  charges  are  collected  by  the  proprietor, 
and  he  is  tntilled  to  hold  property  after  payment  of  duty  until 
such  charges  have  been  paid.  For  the  manner  of  keeping  the 
books  of  the  large  warehouse  companies,  as  also  of  the  officers  of 
the  customs  stationed  in  the  establishments,  with  all  the  forms  for 
the  receipt  and  delivery  of  merchandise,  see  appendices  A,  D,  E, 
G,  K,  and  W. 

22.  There  are  no  restrictions  upon  the  removal  or  transportation 
of  goods  from  one  port  to  another,  in  bond. 

Giving  the  goods  entirely  into  the  custody  of  the  bonder,  at 
whose  risk  they  are  during  transit,  the  government  relies  upon  the 
bond,  letter  of  advice,  and  samples,  for  the  security  of  the  reve- 
nue. 

If,  on  arrival  at  the  second  port,  the  goods  are  going  imme- 
diately into  home  consumption,  no  further  examination  is  made,  if 
contained  in  the  original  packages  as  imported,  and  they  need  not 
be  entered  for  rtwarehousing,  but  an  entry  for  consumption  may 
at  once  be  made*  the  dut-y  at  a  second  port  being  assessed  in  all 
cases  upon  the  quantity  and  value  fixed  at  the.  port  of  importation, 
subject  to  such  allowances  as  are  hereinafter  stated,  in  No.  24; 
and  duties  in  all  cases  are  assessed  and. paid  only  when  and  where 
finally  withdrawn  for  consumption. 

The  certificate  accompanying  the  goods  is  the  letter  of  advice 
described  in  No.  10  of  t-his  report. 

23.  The  goods  in  course  of  transit  are  solely  at  the  risk  of  the 
parties  transporting;  but,  if  lost  by  accident  while  on  the  way 
from  one  port  to  another,  the  duties  are  remitted  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  if  destroyed  while  in  warehouse.  (See  Nos.  10  and  24  of 
this  report.) 

24.  Goods  paying  specific  duties  receive  abatement  of  duties  for 
damage  on  voyage  of  importation,  provided  proof  is  given  that  the 
damage  actually  occurred  on  the  voyage  before  landing,  and  pro- 
vided the  claim  for  abatement  is  made  at  the  time  of  landing  and 
examining  the  goods,  except  on  the  following  articles:  Canthari- 
des,  cocoa,  coculus  indicus,  coffee,  currants,  figs,  Guinea  grains^ 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


163 


ipecac,  jalap,  lemons,  nux  vomica,  opium,  oranges,  pepper,  raisins, 
rhubarb,  sarsaparilla,  senna,  sugar,  tea,  tobacco,  wines,  and  spirits, 
and  except  on  wrecked  goods,  or  those  found  at  sea,  on  which  no 
allowance  is  made. 

Cocoa,  coffee,  or  pepper  may  be  abandoned  in  warehouse  for 
duties,  the  duty  being  charged  only  on  the  quantity  taken.  On' 
pepper,  two  per  cent,  is  allowed  for  wastage.  Cocoa,  hams,  coffee, 
cheese,  currants,  figs,  raisins,  sugar,  spirits  and  wines,  pay  duties 
on  actual  quantities  delivered.  No  allowance,  as  a  general  rule, 
is  made  on  other  goods;  but  the  commissioners  of  the  customs  have 
power  to  remit  the  duties  on  the  whole  or  any  portion  of  the  goods 
lost  or  destroyed  in  the  warehouses,  and  to  them  appeal  is  made  in 
all  doubtful^ questions;  the  general  practice  being,  as  far  as  could 
be  ascertained,  to  assess  duties  only  on  quantities  delivered,  unless 
the  deficiency  was  occasioned  by  fraud. 

Deficiency  in  quantities  on  the  voyage  of  importation  is  not  a 
question  entertained  by  the  customs;  the  entries,  if  specific,  being 
levied  only  on  the  quantities  landed,  and  the  basis  of  the  ad  valo- 
rem duties  being  the  valuation  as  landed. 

Allowance  is  made  for  damage  or  total  loss  in  transit,  but  not 
for  deficiencies,  as  the  goods  pass  out  of  the  hands  of  the  govern- 
ment officers.  In  some  extreme  cases,  however,  the  commissioners 
have  made  allowances,  upon  the  proof  being  positive  that  the  defi- 
ciency was  the  result  of  accident. 

25.  The  security  against  the  adulteration  of  goods  in  transit  is 
in  the  taking  of  a  bond,  the  letter  of  advice  containing  particulars, 
the  samples,  and  the  comparing  of  quantities  and  ,  qualities,  and 
condition,  with  the  letter  of  advice  and  samples,  as  hereinbefore 
stated  in  Nos.  10  and  19. 

26.  A  return  of  the  receipt  into,  and  deliveries  from  ware- 
house is  made  up  quarterly  bv  the  comptroller  of  warehouse  ac- 
counts, showing  the  descriptioTk of  goods  warehoused  during  the 
quarter,  the  countries  whence  imported,  the  quantities  imported  in 
British  and  foreign  ships,  and  received  coastwise,  and  the  amount 
in  warehouse  at  the  commencement  of  the  quarter;  and  showing 
the  quantities  delivered  during  the  quarter  for  consumption,  and 
the  duties  received  thereon;  the  quantities  delivered  for  exporta- 
tion and  transportation,  and  the  quantities  in  warehouse  at  the 
close  of  the  quarter. 

At  the  same  time  is  also  made,  a  return  of  the  goods  not  the 
growth  or  produce  of  the  kingdom,  re  exported  therefrom;  show- 
ing the  species  of  goods,  the  countries  to  which  exported,  the 
quantities  in  British  ships,  and  the  declared  value. 

A  monthly  account  is  also  made  up'at  each  warehousing  district, 
and  signed  by  the  collector  and  comptroller  of  customs,  showing 
the  quantities  of  the  principal  articles  of  foreign  merchandise  im- 
ported; those  duty  free,  those  warehoused,  and  those  not  warehous- 
ed; the  quantities  delivered  from  warehouse  for  consumption;  the 
amount  of  duty  received  thereon,  and  received  on  the  goods  entered 
for  consumption  direct,  without  going  into  warehouse. 

A  similar  aionthly  account  is  made  of  the  quantities  of  foreign 


164 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


merchaiuHse  rxported,  showing  those  exported  as  merchandise,  and 
those  shipped  as  stores. 

Values  are  not  expressed,  except  in  the  return  of  sroods  export- 
ed, first  named,  which  expresses  the  declared  value.  For  the  forms 
of  these  returns  and  statements,  see  appendices  E  and  G. 

27.  The  returns  mentioned  in  No.  26,  are  compiled  from  the  re- 
cord in  the  books  kept  in  the  offices  of  the  comptroller  of  ware- 
house accounts,  and  of  the  warehouse  keeper.  The  record  is  made 
in  these  books  from  the  landing  books,  which  show  the  quantities 
actually  received  into  warehouse,  as' entered  therein  by  the  land- 
ing officers.  The  general  particulars,  of  importtr's  name,  vessel, 
article,  and  store  to  be  housed  in,  having  been  first  entered  in  the 
warehouse  keeper's  register  from  the  merchants'  wareh/)using  entry 
at  its  presentation,  the  quantities,  and  all  particulars  in  detail  be- 
ing entered  after  the  completion  of  the  landing,  as  above  stated. 
The  entries  recording  the  warehousing  of  goods  in  the  books  of 
these  officers  are  thus  made  complete,  after  all  the  weighing,  gaug- 
ing, &c.,  is  completed;  these  being  done  after  the  discharging  of 
the  goods  from  th€  vessel,  and  before  their  deposite  in  warehouse. 
The  report  of  the  landing  officer,  therefore,  insures  correctness  in 
the  data  received. 

In  cases  of  the  merchandise  going  out  of  warehouse,  the  record 
is  made  in  the  books  of  the  offices  above  named,  from  the  w^ith- 
'drawal  entry,  it  having  been  first  presented,  and  partially  recordef^ 
in  an  entry  or  warrant-book  in  the  office  of  the  warehouse  kee  ^r, 
and  then  passed  through  the  offices  of  the  collector  and  comptiuiler 
.of  customs;  for  p?iyihg  duty,  if  withdrawn  for  consumption,  or  giv- 
ing bond,  if  for  exportation  or  transportation. 

A  permit  issued  from  the  office  of  the  warehouse  keeper,  and  re- 
corded there,  and  in  that  of  the  comptroller  of  warehouse  accounts, 
authorizing  the  locker  to  deliver  Ihe  goods,  is  furnished  the  mer- 
chant withdrawing;  for  which  j^ftuit  he  receipts,  and  it  is  re- 
turned by  the  locker  to  one  of  the  said  offices,  with  his  report  of 
alterations,  in  quantities,  &c.,  (if  there  were  any,)  entered  thereon; 
which  return  of  the  locker  is  checked  with  the  eniry,  as  at  first  re- 
corded. It  is  then  passed  to  the  other  of  these  offi<;es,  and  there 
likewise  checked  with  the  recorded  entry,  to  withdraw. 

The  report  of  the  delivering  officer,  therefore,  insures  correct- 
ness in  the  data  received  respecting  goods  going  out  oi  warehouse, 
as  the  report  of  the  landing  officer  insures  it  respecting  goods 
going  into  warehouse. 

The  books  of  the  one  being  daily  compared  with  those  of  the 
other  of  these  offices,  no  after  alteration  occurs. 

28.  The  data  upon  which  the  record  in  the  books  and  the  statis- 
tical and  other  returns  are  based,  have  no  connexion  with  the  cer- 
tificate or  warrant  that  importers  receive  as  a  representative  of 
their  goods  in  warehouse.  These  documents  are  issued  by  the| 
companies  and  individuals  doing  the  storage  business,  and  are! 
based  upon  the  record  in  their  books,  showing  their  storage  andl 
possession  of  the  goods.  ^  .  I 

In  treating  of  the  French  and  Belgian  systems,  tj|e  time  that  itl 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  165 

was  found  possible  to  deV'Ote  fo  them  not  having  admitted  of  carry- 
ing the  investigation  through  the  entire  series  in  detail,  (as  before 
mentioned,)  the  numerical  order  of  the  instructions  is  no  longer 
observed;  and  a  general  review  only  of  the  prominent  features  of 
these  systems  has  been  attempted. 

In  France  there  are  two  systems  of  warehousing  goods,  termed 
the  real  entrepot  and  the  fictitious. 

The  fictitious  entrepot  is  established  in  the  warehouses  of  private 
individuals,  who  keep  the, keys.  They  enter  into  bonds,- with  se- 
curity, approved  by  the  cu^t^ms,  to  exhibit  the  packages,  in  iden- 
tical number  and  sort,. at  t  vt  ly  requisition  of  the  inspectors,  and 
either  pay  the  duties  or  re-export  them  within  the  space  of  one 
year;  which  time  is  almost  always  prolonged  at  the  request  of  the 
importer.  The  merchandise  admissible  into  the  fictitious  entre- 
pot is  colonial  produce,  paying  low  rates  of  duty — coals,  cotton, 
wool,  woods,  &c.  (^See  Appendix  IP, 'page  298,  vol.  1,  and  pages 
6  and  7,  vol.  2,  for  schedule.) 

The  real  entrepot  is  established  in  fire- proof  warehouses,  owned 
by  private  companies,  &c.,  the  customs  having  a  key,  and  guarding 
all  receipts  anJi  deliveries,  and  keeping  accounts  (as  for  fictitious 
entrepot)  with  each  depositor  of  the  goods  stored. 

The  collection  of  storage  is  made  by  the  proprietors,  who  alone 
are  responsible  for  any  loss  of  goods,  either  by  burglary  or  fire — 
the  government  requiring  no  security  from  the  importer,  consider- 
ing their  control  all  that  is  requisite.  The  time  of  storage  is  lim- 
ited to  three  years;  but  an  extension  of  time  is  usually  allowed  to 
five,  six,  seven,  eight,  and  even  ten  years,  as  the  customs  regard 
the  entrepot  real  as  a  continuation  of  the  foreign  soil.  AH  hand- 
ling or  alteration  of  the  packages,  either  by  converting  several  into 
one,  or  by  dividing  it  into  smaller  ones,  is  prohibited  in  the  ficti- 
tious^ but  permitted  in  the  real  entrepot,  the  consent  of  customs 
being  previously  obtained,  which  requires  the  work  to  be  done 
under  the  supervision  of  an  officer,  and  that  the  accounts  be  altered 
to  agree  with  the  new  packages.  All  merchandise  is  admitted  into 
the  real  entrepot,  including  what  is  admitted  into  the  fictitious 
Samples  may  be  previously  taken,  but  upon  condition  of  immediate 
payment  of  duties  on  them.  The  importer,  on  withdrawing  his 
goods  for  consumption,  can  have  them  re-examined  at  his  option; 
and  though  by  law  the  duty  is  due  upon  the  quantities  entered  in 
warehouse,  without  regard  to  leakage  or  wastage,  still  the  govern- 
ment remits  the  duty  on  the  deficit  wherever  the  local  authorities 
certify  that  it  does  not  proceed  from  fraud.  This,  however,  is  only 
granted  when  the  entire  lot  is  withdrawn. 

When  parts  of  an  invoice  are  taken  out,  the  duty  is  paid  on  the 
part  taken,  and  the  entire  remainder  of  duty,  as  per  inward  entry, 
is  to  be  paid  when  the  rest  is  withdrawn. 

In  the  transportation  of  goods  in  bond,  whether  from  entrepot, 
real  or  fictitious,  or  in  case  of  export,  security  is  always  required. 
In  the  first  case,  a  clearance  is  granted,  (see  forms  annexed  in  ap- 
pendix H,)  in  which  are  stated  the  marks,  numbers,  and  descrip- 
tions of  packages,  their  contents,  and  weight.    This  accompanies 


166 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


the  goods  to  their  port  of  destination;  and  the  receipt  of  the  goods, 
endorsed  thereon,  cancels  the  securit}^  given.  Penalties  vary  ac- 
cording as  there  may  be  a  deficit,  or  excess,  or  difference,  in  the 
kind  of  merchandise.  Generally  speaking  it  is  double  the  duty, 
or  the  value  of  the  goods  deficient,  with  a  fine  of  100  to  500  francs. 
In  the  second  case,  a  nearly  si.riilar  clearance  is  granted,  and  the 
security  cancelled  on  the  production  of  a  certificate  of  the  goods 
having  been  shipped,  and  the  vessel  having  sailed.  The  additional 
security  is  required,  in  land  transit,  of  placing,  without  exception, 
a  leaden  seal  on  the  packages.    (See  appendix  tP,  pag^  292.) 

The  transit  of  goods  may  be  suspended  in  the  course  of  transpor- 
tation, and  the  duties  paid  at  any  oflRice  of  customs,  or  the  goods 
rewarehoused. 

No  deficiencies  are  allowed  on  goods  in  fictitious  entrepot,  as 
they  are  always  at  the  free  disposition  of  the  owner.  If  the  owner 
should  dispose  of  such  goods  without  first  paying  the  duty,  he  sub- 
jects himself  to  pay  double  duties,  and  a  fine,  in  some  cases,  equal 
to  double  the  value  of  the  goods. 

The  warehouse  system  of  Belgium  has  recently  undergone  a  gene- 
ral revision,  as  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  appendix  J^. 

At  Antwerp,  the  warehouses  of  the  free  entrepot  are  constructed 
of  brick,  with  wooden  floors  and  pillars,  and  staircases.  New 
stores  are  being  added  to  the  stack  which  comprises  free  entre- 
pot, in  order  to  supply  the  increased  demand  of  the  port.  They 
are  built  with  every  convenience  as  regards  light,  air,  &c.,  and 
with  great  facilities  for  the  receipt  and  delivery  of  goods — the  rail- 
way to  Cologne,  Paris,  and  Ostend,  running  through  the  entrepot, 
which  adjoins  the  dock.  It  is  in  contemplation  to  enclose  the 
whole  of  these  warehouses  and  the  dock  within  a  wall,  imitating 
the  construction  of  the  docks  of  the  London  companies. 

The  cost  of  these  warehouses,  including  the  new  stores  now  being 
completed,  is  estimated  at  4^000,000  francs.  They  were  formerly 
the  property  jointly  of  the  government,  the  province  and  town  of 
Antwerp,  and  individuals.  The  government  has  lately  reimbursed 
the  shareholders,  and  become  sole  proprietor  of  the  free  entrepot — 
it  being  under  the  control  of  the  finance  department. 

An  administrative  committee  appointed  by  the  king,  on  the 
proposition  of  the  minister  of  finance^  composed  of  two  oflficers  of 
the  customs,  two  members  of  the  chamber  of  commerce,  and  one  of 
the  municipal  authority,  regulate  the  tariff  of  storage,  the  stowage, 
changes  of  packages,  &c.,  in  the  entrepot. 

Private  stores  {particular  entrepot)  may  be  used  as  warehouses 
when  the/ree  entrepot  is  full,  they  being  approved  of  by  the  cus- 
toms authority  for  that  purpose.  The  goods  stored  therein  are 
held  under  joint  lock  of  their  owner  and  of  the  customs.  (See  ap- 
pendix J2,  page  86.) 

There  is  a  third  species  of  warehouse,  styled  fictitious  entrepot^ 
in  which  the  custody  of  the  goods  is  confided  entirely  to  the  de- 
positor. It  is  subject  at  all  times  to  be  entered  by  the  customs 
officer,  for  examination  o-f  the  merchandise  and  of  the  condition  of 
the  fastenings.    The  stowage  is  done  under  his  supervision. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  * 


167 


The  only  kinds  of  merchandise  admitted  into  this  entrepot  are 
coarse  sugars,  fruits  of  all  kinds,  provided  they  are  packed  in  cas^s 
susceptible  of  being  plumbed,  hides,  oleaginous  seeds,  ashes,  and 
guano.  Fruits  are  permitted  to  have  their  packages  changed*  and 
merchandise  found  to  be  deteriorating,  must  be  entered  for  con- 
sumption. 

Examinations  of  the  goods  in  the  different  entrepots  are  made 
annually. 

Samples  are  not  allowed  to  be  removed  from  any  of  the  entrepots 
without  payment  of  the  duties.  Goods  may  be  withdrawn  from  any 
in  all  quantities. 

No  allowances  are  made  for  deficiencies  on  withdrawal  of  goods 
from  warehouse  except  on  wines  and  liquors. 

Change  of  packages  is  allowed  on  goods  in  entrepot, /ree  or  par- 
ticular. Wines  may  be  drawn  off  from  the  lees,  and  the  duty  on 
these  remitted;  cases  may  be  divided,  and  the  goods  culled,  as- 
sorted, &c.,  those  of  the  same  species,  subject  to  different  rates  of 
duty,  not  being  allowed  to  be  mixed,  nor  packages  to  be  changed 
when  the  duty  is  based  upon  the  nature  of  the  package.  Permis- 
sion must  first  be  granted,  after  request  made  in  writing  by  the  de- 
positor. 

Insurance  is  effected  on  merchandise  in  free  entrepot,  without 
distinction  of  goods,  at  the  rate  of  two.  francs  per  1,000.  When 
in  particular  entrepot,  the  rate  is  higher.  No  fires  or  lights  are 
allowed  within  either. 

A  receipt  or  certificate  is  given  for  goods  in  free  or  particular 
entrepot,  signed  by  the  warehouse  keeper,  for  form  of  which  see 
appendix  J.  When  the  merchandise  is  sold,  transfer  is  made  on 
the  books,  the  original  receipt,  accompanied  by  a  transfer  certifi- 
cate, is'returned,  and  a  new  receipt  is  furnished  to  the  purchaser, 
the  transferring  being  entered  on  the  books  from  the  transfer  cer- 
tificate. This  officer  keeps  an  account  of  all  merchandise  deposited 
in,  and  withdrawn  from,  warehouse.  Accounts  are  kept  with  the 
parties  warehousing.  For  form,  see  appendix  J.  For  goods,  on 
which  ad  valorem  duties  are  charged,  the  values  are  kept.  This 
officer  collects  the  storage  charges  from  the  depositors.  All  labor 
is  performed  by  them,  they  sending  the  laborers  to  the  entrepot, 
who  do  the  work  under  the  supervision  of  the  customs  officers.  For 
a  list  of  the  books  and  forms  to  be  brought  into  use  on  Ist^January, 
1848,  see  appendix  J^. 

The  time  for  which  merchandise  is  permitted  to  remain  in  entre- 
pot, is  two  years.  Upon  application  being  made  to  the  king,  which 
is  referred  to  the  minister  of  finance,  the  time  is  extended  from 
term  to  term. 

General  bond  is  given  before  goods  are  entered  and  placed  in 
entrepot.  The  bond  is  given  when  the  merchant  or  broker  enters 
into  the  business  of  importing  goods.  None  is  given  for  particu- 
lar inward  entries,  and  none  specially  given  for  transportations  or 
exportations,  unless  the  general  bond  shall  be  deemed  insufficient 
to  cover.  The  bond  being  originally  given  by  the  party  doing  busi- 
ness at  the  custom-house,  who  is  generally  a  commission  broker, 


168 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


the  merchant  owner  may  not  have  any  bond  in  the  customs  for  the 
duties  on  his  goods,  the  broker's  general  bond,  he  being  the  im- 
porter, furnishing  \he  security  to  government  for  importation, 
transportation,  or  exportation.  No  bond,  therefore,  is  given  by  the 
owners  or  lessees  of  stores,  used  for  the  purposes  of  particular  or 
fictitious  entrepot. 

The  transit  of  merchandise  is  conducted  generally  in  the  same 
mariner  as  In  Franc^.  The  account  of  particulars  is  sent  with  the 
goods,  and,  after  being  vised  at  certain  offices  on  the  route  desig- 
nated therein,  is  returned  certified  from  the  office  of  destination,  or 
of  issue  from  the  country,  as  the  ca-e  may  be.  Packages  are 
plumbed,  the  leads,  however,  not  being  affixed  to  the  separate  pack- 
ages when  thty  can,  with  equal  stcunty,  be  placed  on  the  means 
of  conveyance,  as  the  hatches  of  a  vessel,  the  doors  of  a  railway 
carriage,  &c.  If  transit  be  by  railway,  a  customs  officer  accompa- 
nies the  merchar.dise  to  the  office  of  destination  or  of  issue,  and  to 
him  are  confided  samples' of  wines  and  liquors  in  transit,  duplicates 
being  retained  at  the  office  of  removal. 

The  merchandise  in  transit  is  at  the  risk  of  the  owner.  If^ 
however,  the  injury  bears  no  evidence  of  fraud,  but  is  clearly  the 
result  of  accident,  the  penalties  imposed  by  the  law  are  rtmittedj 
but  the  duties  exacted,  unless  the  king  remits  them.  Heavy  penal- 
ties, in  some  cases  equal  to  confiscation  of  the  property,  and  a  fine 
of  double  the  duty,  are  imposed  for  fraudulent  mixtures,  substrac- 
tions,  &c. 

Articles  prohibited  to  impoitation  for  consumption  are  admitted 
to  entrepot  for  transit. 

The  law^s  concerning  the  warehousing  of  merchandise  in  France 
and  Belgium,  with  full  details  of  the  practice,  and  all  the  forms 
connected  with  the  entering  of  goods  at  the  customs  for  wafehouse, 
and  withdrawal  for  consumption,  transit,  or  exportation,  will  be 
found  in  appendices  H,  H*,  J,  J%  J^,  J3. 

In  replying  to  that  portion  of  the  instructions  directing  such 
further  inquiries  as  might  be  deemed  useful,  in  connexion  with  the 
warehousing  system,  or  our  foreign  commerce,  and  the  suggestion 
of  such  alterations  as  might  be  deemed  advisable,  it  is  proper  to 
state  that  the  limited  time  given  prevented  any  investigations  ex- 
cept such  as  would  naturally  suggest  themselves  in  the  prosecution 
of  the  preceding  inquiries. 

Some  prominent  features,  however,  have  presented  themselves  in 
so  favorable  a  light,  that  it  w^ould  be  remiss  not  to  call  attention 
to  them  here,  and,  before  doing  so,  to  generally  recommend,  for  the 
consideration  of  the  department,  the  incorporation  into  our  system 
of  the  better  features  of  the  foreign  systems,  as  they  may  appear 
in  the  details  set  forth  in  this  report  and  the  accompanying  docu- 
ments, so  far  as  they  may  be  /ound,  upon  investigation,  to  be  de- 
cided improvements;  especially  as  the  revision  of  our  system  of 
warehousing,  at  this  early  stage  of  its  growth,  could  be  effected 
"without  injury  to  existing  interests. 

The  systems  of  France  and  Belgium  not  affording  so  many  points 
in  consonance  with  our  own  methods  as  that  of  Great  Britain j  at- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


169 


ntion  has  been  more  particularly  directed  to  the  improvements 
that  might  be  afforded  by  that  of  the  latter  country. 

While  the  English  practice  abounds  with  many  unnecessary 
)rms — the  consequence  of  alterations  and  improvements  in  an  old 
ystem — there  is  at  the  same  time  a  perfect  system  of  accountability 
iinning  through  all  the  departments  of  the  customs,  with  an  admi- 

ble  adaptation  to  the  general  business  of  the  country. 

It  is  therefore  respectfully  recommended  to  the  department  that 
our  warehouse  regulations  be  so  amended  as  to  secure  the  greatest 
simplicity  of  details  in  connexion  with  the  entry,  export,  and  in- 
terior transit  of  warehouse  goods;  that  some  general  de^rription  of 
stores  be  adopted,  with  certain  necessary  fastenings,  &c  ,  any  of 
which,  eligibly  situated  for  business,  may  be,  by  the  collectors  of 
the  several  ports,  under  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Trea- 
sury, selected  as  bonded  warehouses,  leaving  the  business  of  storage 
and  labor  entirely  to  the  proprietors- — the  government  lock  and  su- 
pervision ©f  the  government  officer  constitujling  the  only  variations 
from  the  ordinary  business  of  storage.  Give  to  the  importer  the 
right  of  selecting  the  store,  and  making  his  own  terms  for  labor  and 
storage,  and  to  the  warehouse  business  would  be  secured  that  vital 
element,  necessary  to^its  successful  operation — perfect  freedom  in 
competition.  It  then  becomes  the  interest  of  every  importer  to 
place  his  eoods  in  bond;  the  real  estate  owner  and  mechanic  are 
benefitted  by  the  increased  demand  for  warehouses;  the  regulations 
as  to  buildings  issued  by  the  government,  secure  a  b(  tter  description 
of  stores;  from  which,  results  a  consequent  diminution  of  risk  from 
fire  in  our  large  cities;  and,  finally,  the  interests  of  every  class  of 
the  community  become  identified  with  the  success  of  the  system. 

It  is  also  recommended  that  permission  be  granted  to  owners  of 
bonded  goods  to  repair  packages;  to  repack  goods  in  such  quanti- 
ties as  may  suit  the  markets  for  which  destined;  to  dye  and  print 
silks;  to  clean  and  restore  goods  damaged  on  the  voyage  of  im- 
portation; and,  in  short,  to  grant  every  privilege  that  would  not 
jeopardise  the  safety  of  the  revenue.  And  also  to  allow  the  impor- 
tation in  bond,  for  exportation,  of  goods  now  prohibited — as,  for 
instance,  the  packages  in  which  brandies  are  imported  into  Mexico 
and  South  America,  containing  from  10  to  15  gallons,  a  size  suitable* 
for  mule  loads.  These  are  prohibited  by  our  laws;  whilst  in  Eng- 
land, though  equally  prohibited  for  consumption,  such  packages  are 
imported  for  export  to  those  countries,  and  secure  to  British  com- 
merce an  advantage'our  laws  do  not  accord  to  us. 

It  is  further  recommended  that  there  be  granted  to  shipping,  the 
privilege  th^y  have  in  Great  Britain,  of  taking  what  stores  may  be 
necessary  for  their  intended  voyage  from  warehouse  without  pay- 
ment of  duty.  To  prevent  frauds,  a  tabular  statement  has  been 
prepared  of  the  required  quantity  for  each  man  per  diem  of  the 
different  articles  in  general  use,  and  the  number  of  days  required 
for  a  voyage.  On  a  ship's  return,  the  overplus  is  deposited  in  ware- 
house, to  be  taken  froiii  thence  as  part  of  the  stores  on  the  next 
voyage.  And,  also,  generally  to  dispense  with  the  bond  now  re- 
quired from  importers,  when  the  goods  are  placed  in  the  entire 


170 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


custody  of  the  government.  In  the  English  system,  a  bond  is  re- 
quired for  the  reason  that  the  owner  or  those  storing  for  him  have 
joint  custody;  but  there  would  seem  no  necessity  for  it  when  the 
owner,  as  in  our  bonded  warehouses,  is  entirely  excluded  from  any 
supervision  or  control,  directly  or  indirectly.  In  France,  it  has 
been  seen  that  no  bond  is  required,  even  on  joint  custody,  it  only 
being  demanded  by  the  customs  w^ien  the  goods  go  out  of  their 
possession. 

The  undersigned,  in  conclusion,  would  express  through  you,  their 
grateful  recollection  of  the  attention  and  assistance,  in  obtaining; 
every  information  connected  with  the  subject  of  their  inquiries,  re- 
ceived-from  the  Hon.  George  Bancroft;  General  R.  Armstrong,  con- 
sul at  Liverpool;  Hon.  Mr.  McGregor,  M.  P.;  Hon.  Mr.  Dawson, 
vice  chairman  commissioner  of  customs;  and  from  Mr.  Collin,  Mr. 
Chandler,  and  Sir  John  Hall,  of  the  several  dock  companies  in 
London. 

To  the  customs  officers  generally  in  London  and  Liiirerpool,  they 
feel  indebted  for  the  disposition  to  afford  every  information  con- 
nected with  their  respective  departments,  and  particularly  to  W. 
S.  Kendall,  esq.,  inspector  general,  London,  for  the  zeal  evinced 
in  furthering  their  views. 

To  the  Hon.  Richard  Rush,  Hon.  Thomas  G.  Clemson,the  Ame- 
rican consulates  and  the  customs  authorities  at  Havre  and  Antwerp, 
their  thanks  are  also  due,  for  the  readiness  evinced  in  furnishing 
every  information  desired. 

Claiming  your  indulgence  for  any  errors  that  may  be  found,  and 
in  the  hope  that  the  information  collected  and  herewith  respectfully 
submitted  may  provie  serviceable  to  the  department  in  its  efforts  to 
render  every  facility  to  our  commercial  interests,  the  undersigne  1 
have  the  honor  to  subscribe  themselves. 

With  great  respect,  your  obedient  servants, 

CHARLES  C.  WALDEN. 
D.  P.  BARHYDT. 

Hon.  R.  J.  Walker, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


171 


List  of  the  appendices  accompanying  the  report  on  the  warehouse 
systems  of  England^  France^  and  Belgium, 

A — London  dock  companies. — Replies  to  questions  put  to  them; 
forms  for  doing  business,  and  table  of  rates  and  regulations. 

B — Liverpool  docks. — Table  of  rates  and  charges;  act  of  incoi*- 
poration,  and  rules  and  regulations  of  Albert  dock. 

C — Birkenhead  docks. — Act  of  incorporation;  map  of  the  docks; 
description  of  buildings,  and  plan  of  scales  used. 
|;  |D — St,  Katharine's  dock  companies. — Replies  to  questions  ad- 
dressed them;  list  of  their  employees;  forms  used  in  their  busi- 
ness; table  of  rates  and  charges,  and  regulations  concerning  lights 
and  fires. 

E — Liverpool  custom-house. — Replies  to  questions;  forms  used 
in  warehouse  business,  and  forms  of  books  kept. 

F — Londonxustom-house. — Warehouse  fo^ms,  with  explanations. 

G — Customhouse  at  London  dock. — Forms  used  in  warehouse 
business;  forms  of  books  and  explanations  in  reply  to  interroga- 
tories. 

H — Havre  custom-house.— Tariff  of  charges  and  forms  of  doing 
business  in  entrepot,  with  forms  of  books,  and  translation  of  transit 
laws. 

— French  code  of  custom-house  laws. 
H' — -Continuation  of  the  same. 

J — x^ntwerp  warehouse. — Forms  and  collection  of  commercial 
rates,  &c. 

J* — Belgian  general  law  of  customs  and  excise. 
J' — Belgian  revised  warehouse  law  and  regulations,  with  trans- 
lations thereof. 

J' — Belgian  law  of  transit  and  project  of  new  law  of  transit,  with 
translation. 

K — Table  of  the  average  number  of  days  required  for  foreign 
voyages,  and  the  necessary  stores  for  consumption  of  crew  per 
diem. 

Note. — These  tables  are  constructed  upon  a  principle  to  meet 
every  probable  duration  of  a  voyage,  by  the  sim*ple  operation  of 
doubling  and  trebling,  &c.  Each  computation  has  been  made  with 
an  addition  of  25  per  cent,  to  guard  against  casualties. 

— St.  Katharine's  dock  code  of  instructions  for  in-door  depart- 
ment. 

K' — St.  Katharine's  dock  companies'  code  of  instructions  for  the 
out-door  departments. 
K' — St.  Katharine's  dock  companies'  instructions  to  the  police 
epartment,  with  plan  of  dock,  location  of  engines,  &c. 
K* — Act  of  incorporation  of  the  St.  Katharine's  dock  company. 
L — Regulations  prescribing  the  buildings  which  may  be  used  as 
■bonded  warehouses  under  the  warehouse  act  in  Great  Britain. 

M — General  orders  relating  to  the  customs  in  Great  Britain,  con- 
solidated. 


172 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


N — Tables  of  quantities  allowed  to  be  drawn  from  warehouse  as 
samples  in  Great  Britain. 

O  1  to  38 — Thirty-fi^ht  numbers  of  instructions  for  various  offi- 
cers of  the  customs  in  Great  Britain. 

P — Customs  laws  of  Great  Britain. — Edition  of  1846. 

Q — General  orders  and  regulations  of  the  board  of  customs  of 
Great  Britain. 

R — Same  from  September,  1843,  to  January  1847. 

S — Instructions  for  collectors  and  comptrollers  of  customs  at  out 
ports  in  Great  Britain. 

T — Customs  regulations  of  Great  Britain  for  l845-'46  and  '47. 

V — Reports  on  custom-house  frauds  in  Great  Britain,  1843. 

W — First  and  second  part — East  and  West  India  dock  compa- 
nies.— Replies  to  questions  addressed  them;  forms  used  in  their 
business,  complete;  forms  of  books  kept,  and  of  returns  made;  chart 
showinjj;  position  of  uptown  warehouses,  and  general  plan  of  docks 
and  warehouses,  showing  position  of  hoisting  appai^tus,  &c. 

X — Liverpool  laws  and  regulations  relating  tow)ck  and  light 
dues,  and  schedule  of  dock  rates. 

Note. — The  appendices  as  per  above  list  are  on  file  in  the  Treasury  Department.  Ex- 
tracts from  them  are  hereto  annexed,  marked  G,  H,  I,  JC,  L,  M,  N,  O,  P,  Q. 


I 


Ik 


I'lmi    of"  (Ii<"     l'|>    TtMVii     WarnFiouses     bolongina'  <o  the    East    &    AVcst     India     Dork    (,'oni]).'iii v 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


173 


G. 

East  and  West  India  Dock  Company, 

Billiter  Square^  October  21  j  1847. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  ta  acknowledge  your  letter  of  the  10th 
September,  enclosing  .a  series  of  questions  which  you  desired  to 
have  answered  by  this  company.  It  is  in  original  herewith,  with 
the  detailed  answers  you  required. 

I  have  only  to  express  the  hope  of  the  court  of  directors  that  the 
information  may  be  found  useful  to  you,  and  to  assure  you  that  if 
further  details  are  requisite,  they  shall  be  furnished  upon. your  ap- 
plication to  me. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  most' obedient  servant, 

GEORGE  COLLIN, 
^  Secretary, 

Charles  C.  Walden,  Esq., 

Commissioner  from  the  United  States  of  Jlm,erica. 


Series  of  inquiries  addressed  to  the  East  and  West  India  Bock 
company  by  the  American  commissioners. 
♦ 

1.  The  number  of  warehouses  in*'  your  docks  where  foreign  im- 
ports are  stored,  and  how  far  separated  into  distinct  stores  by  per- 
manent wall  or  by  iron  doors,  or  by  other  mode  of  separation  1 

2.  The  descriptions  of  goods  thus  stored,  and  how  far  there  are 
separate  stores  f9r  different  descriptions  of  goods'? 

3.  A  full  description  of  these  warehouses  or  stores;  how  and  of 
what  material  buili;  number  of  storef  or  floors,  and  depth  and  ex- 
tent of  cellars;  how  far  they  are  fire-proof,  and  to  what  extent 
erected  on  arches  w^ithout  timber;  how  many  of  them  are  imme- 
diately upon  the  water,  and  how  many  distant  therefrom;  and  how 
far  the  conveniences  of  landing,  and  of  loading  and  unloading 
goods  to  and  from  them;  the  depth  of  water  at  the  docks  or  basins; 
the  nature  and  position  of  the  hoisting  apparatus  at  the  place  of 
landing  and  at  the  warehouse;  whether  by  steam  or  otherwise? 

4.  Trie  means  used  to  guard  and  protect  the  goods  from  combus- 
tion and  the  buildings  from  fire  and  accident;  how  and  at  what 
times  fires  are  permitted  or  lights  introduced,  and  In  what  manner; 
and  the  means  for  extinguishing  fires  ? 

5.  How  far  and  to  what  extent  iron  has  been  introduced  in  the 
construction  of  warehouses',  either  for  roof,  rafters,  joists,  or 
otherwise,  as  well  as  the  materials  for  flooring,  and  the  expense  of 
building  such  warehouses;  with,  if  practicable,  a  ground  plan  of 
the  dock  and  warehouses  attached  thereto? 

6.  How  and  for  what  terras,  and  at  w^hat  rate  of  rent,  the  ware- 
houses for  tobacco  are  leased  to  the  government  ? 

7.  Tne  amount  of  goods  stored,  giving  the  description,  as  far  as 


174 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


practicable,  and  the  quantity  and  character  of  each;  the  rate  of 
storage;  how  far  the  charge  is  diminished  for  a  longer  period  of 
storage  'J    (This  question  refers  only  to  goods  in  bond.) 

8.  A  full  description  of  the  books  kept  at  such  warehouses,  and 
by  what  number  and  character  of  clerks  and  other  officers;  the 
checks  on  subordinate  storekeepers  to  ascertain  the  disposition 
made  of  goods  entrusted  to  their  custody;  the  manner  of  keeping^ 
their  accounts;  how  often  examined  to  test  their  correctness,  and  by 
whom;  how  an  examination  is  made  of  the  goods  on  hand,  and  how 
often;  the  different  blank  forms  for  the  receipt  and  deliyery  of 
merchandise;  and  the  means  to  prevent  adulteration  of  liquors  and 
other  articles  1 

9.  A  fiill  description  of  the  official  names  and  duties  of  all  per- 
sons transacting  the  business  in  such  warehouses,  and  the  compen- 
sation paid  each  1 

10.  The  hours  withi^which  the  warehouses  are  kept  open;  what 
articles  are  considered  combustible  or  perishable;  and  how  or 
where  the  combustible  or  perishable  articles  are  kept,  and  for  what 
length  of  time  ? 

11.  The  actual  expense  of  warehousing  goods  and  of  keeping 
them  in  warehouse,  distinguishing  the  different  kinds  of  goods,  say 
dry  goods  or  hardware  in  packages,  sugars,  molasses,  tea,  coffee^ 
spices,  dye  woods,  hides,  wines  and  Fpirits  in  casks  or  \ti  bottle  ? 

12.  How  far  marine  or  other  railways  are  used  for  placing  goods 
in  the  warehouses;  and  the  length  of  time  occupied  in  warehousing 
cargoes,  as  well  as  in  shipping  them  from  the  warehouses;  to- 
gether with  the  delay  on  this  account  and  detention  of  vessels;  and 
what  portion  of  the  time  of  a  vessel  is  taken  up  in  depositing  and 
receiving  goods  from  each  warehouse.'  # 

{  13.  Packages  in  bad  order,  how  repacked,  &c.,*and  how  far  the 
importer  is  allowed  the  control,  direction  or  supervision  of  such 
labor;  whether  the  descriptioli  of  package  can  be  altered,  and  un- 
der what  restrictions  1 

14.  What  is  the  custom  among  importers  in  regard  to  insurance 
on  merchandise  in^the  docks;  what  rates  of  premium  are  charged; 
do  the  dock  companies  insure  their  warehouses;  and  if  so,  the  pre- 
miums paid  thereon  1 

15.  What  returns  are  made,  statistical  or  otherwise,  to  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  bonded  goods  on  hand,  and  what  data  these  returns 
are  made  from  ? 

16.  Please  give  blank  forms  of  s'lch  returns,  and  of  all  forms 
connected  with  the  warehousing  of  bonded  articles,  and  plans  of 
the  different  descriptions  of  hoisting  apparatus  used  in  your  docks  1 

17.  Please  give  form  of  certificate  issued  to  owner  of  goods  in 
bond;  the  regulations  concerning  the  transfer  of  property  under 
such  certificates,  and  the  laws  governing  same;  are  such  certifi- 
cates used  as  security  for  obtaini;?ig  loans  from  the  Bank  of  Eng- 
land or  other  bankers;  and  how  do  they  compare  with  other  secu- 
rities in  the  market  1 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


175 


Replies  of  the  East  and  West  India  Dock  Company. 

1.  The  number  of  warehouses  in  your  docks  where  foreign  im« 
ports  are  stored;  and  how  far  separated  into  distinct  stores  by  per- 
manent wall,  or  by  iron  doors,*  or  by  other  mode  of  separation. 

At  the  western  docks  there  are  fourteen  principal  warehouses  for 
import  goods.  Those  that  are  contiguous  are  separated  from  eadx 
other  by  thick  walls.  The  only  internal  communications  with  each 
other  are  between  Nos.  9  and  10  warehouses,  where  there  are  iron 
doors  on  each  floor,  and  between  No.  12  warehouse  and  No.  2  rum 
warehouse  by  wooden  doors. 

At  the  eastern  docks  there  are  four  stacks  of  brick  built  ware- 
houses on  the  south  quay  of  the  import  dock;  two  on  the  west  quay; 
one  at  the  east  qua^;  and  three  stacks  at  the  east  end  of  the  north 

quay- 

The  up  town  warehouses  consist  of  four  stacks  of  warehouses, 
brick  built,  situated  in  Fenchureh  street,  Jewry  street,  Billiter 
street,  and  Crutched  Friars,  as  shown  in  the  accompanying  plan. 
Appendix  F. 

Detailed  descriptions  of  all  these  warehouses  will  be  found  in  the 
answer  to  question  No.  3. 

2.  The  description  of  goods  thus  stored,  and  how  far  there  are 
•separate  stores  for  different  descriptions  of  goods. 

The  arrangement  of  the  company's  warehouses,  and  their  general 
appropriation  is  as  under  stated. 

Western  dock. — J^orth  quay  import  dock. 

Warehouse  No.  1.  Tea,  indigo,  silk,  piece  goods,  and  other  East 
I  India  and  China  goods  required  for  inspection  at  the  town  ware- 
houses.  Such  goods  landed  from  ships  discharged  in  this  dock  are 
here  deposited  until  removed  to  town  for  inspection  and  sale,  by 
I  the  order  of  the  inspectors. 

!  Warehouses  Nos.  2  and  3.  East  and  West  India  sugar  and  cocoa. 
East  India  rice,  ginger,  turmeric,  hemp,  and  jute.*  . 

Warehouses  Nos.  4,  5,  and  6.  East  and  West  India  sugar  and 
coffee,  cotton  and  pepper. 

Warehouses  Nos.  7  and  8.  East  and  West  India  sugar. 

Warehouses  N-os.  9  and  10.  East  and  West  India  sugar.  Foreign 
coffee  and  sugar. 

Warehouse  No.  11.  Drugs,  &c.,  cassia,  cochinealj  and  cotton. 

South  quay  import  dock. 

Warehouse  No.  12.  Foreign  sugar  and  flour. 
Rum  and  wine  department^ — Runi,  wine,  and  spirits. 
East  and  west  wood  ways. — Furniture  and  dye  woods. 
South  dock  and  south  quay  of  the  export  dock. — Deals,  oak,  teak, 
id  birch,  timber  and  staves. 


176 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Blackwall  Basin, 
Warehouse  for  saltpetre. 

Eastern  Blocks. 

West  quay  warehouse — Tea,  indigo,  silk,  and  other  East  India 
and  China  goods  required  for  inspection  of  the  trade  at  the  up 
town  warehouses.  Such  goods  landed  from  ships  discharged  in 
this  dock  are  here  deposited  until  removed  to  town  for  inspection 
and  sale  by  the  order  of  the  inspectors.  Also,  East  India  sugar 
and  rice. 

South  quay.  East  and  West  India  sugar,  coffee,  rice,  pepper, 
and  cotton. 

JVorth  quay.  Saltpetre. 

Up' town  warehouses. 

Crutched  Friars.  Tea,  shellac,  lac  dye,  and  hides. 
Fenchurch  street.  Tea,  silk,  and  drugs. 
Jewry  street.  Indigo. 

Belliter  street.  Spices,  ivory,  piece  goods,  lacquered  ware, 

3.  A  full  description  of  these  warehouses  or  stores,  how  and  of 
•what  material  built,  number  of  stores  or  floors,  and  depth  and  ex- 
tent of  cellars,  how  far  they  are  fire-proof,  and  to  what  extent 
erected  on  arches  without  timber,  how  many  of  theoi  are  immedi- 
ately upon  the  water,  and  how  many  distant  therefrom,  and  how 
far  the  conveniences  of  landing,  and  of  loading  aad  unloading 
goods  to  and  from  them,  the  depth  of  water  at  the  docks  and  basins, 
the  nature  and  position  of  the  hoisting  apparatus  ot  the  place  of 
anding  and  at  the  warehouse,  whether  by  steam  or  otherwise. 

Western  Docks. 

Thole  o^f  thes^ buildings  are  constructed  with  brick  walls.  JVos. 
i  and  9  warehouses  consist  ot  five  divisions  each;  the  wings  contain 
cellar,  ground  floor,  first  fi')or,  and  second  floor;  the  other  three 
uivisions  contain  one  floor  iiiore  in  height.  There  are  brick  party 
walls  between  each  of  the  divisions,  communicating  by  iron  doors; 
the  east  end  of  No.  9  warehouse  communicates  by  iron  doors  with 
No.  10  warehouse. 

JVos,  2,  3,  4,  6j  7,  and  8  warehouses  consist  of  three  divisions 
each,  which  contain  cellars^  five  floors  above,  and  attics;  these 
warehouses  having  kerb  roofs,  making  seven  stories  in  all.  There 
is  no  communication  from  any  one  of  these  warehouses  to  those 
adjoining.  Ti.ere*are  cross  walls  separating  the  divisions;  but  there 
are  openings  in  them,  with  wooden  doors  for  communication  one 
with  the  other.  There  are  iron  caps  and  story  posts  to  these  ware  ' 
houses  in  the  cellars  and  ground  floors;  and  to  two  of  them  (Nos. 
and  4  waiehouses)  iron  caps  and  pos*s  to  the  floor  above.  I 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


177 


JVo.  5  warehouse  consists  of  five  divisions.  The  centre  division 
contains  cellar  and  two  floors  above.  The  four  other  divisions 
contain  cellar  and  ground  floor  stories.  There  are  cross  walls  se- 
parating the  divisions,  but  there  are  openings  for  communication 
with  each  other,  and  iron  doors.  There  are  no  iron  posts  or  caps 
in  this  warehouse.  Between  Nos.  2  and  3,  3  and  4,  6  and  7,  and  7 
and  8,  are  enclosed  divisions  containing  cellar  and  ground  floor 
stories.  The  floors  to  these  buildings  are  supported  by  wooden 
posts  and  caps.  As  these  buildings  are  lower  than  the  adjoining- 
warehouses,  and  have  no  internal  communications  with  therh,  they^ 
in  some  measure,  detach  the  warehouses  from  each  other. 

No.  10  warehouse  at  the  east  end  of  the  import  dock,  consists  of 
cellars,  ground  floor,  and  tv/o  floors  above;  the  floors  partly  sup- 
ported by  iron  posts  and  caps.-  A  port!t)n  at  the  end  next  No.  9 
warehouse  is  divided  off*  by  a  cross  vcall,  in  which  are  iron  doors 
of  communication  on  each  floor.  There  are  no  other  cross  walls 
throughout  the  building. 

No.  11  warehouse  at  the  west  end  of  the  import  dock  consists  of 
ground  floor  and  two  floors  over.  The  floors  are  supported  by- 
wooden  posts  and  caps,  and  there  are  no  cross  \valls  throughout 
the  building.    This  warehouse  is  detached  from  any  other  building-. 

No.  12  loare/iow^e,  situated  on  the  centre  of  the  south  quay  of  the 
import  dock,  consists  of  a  ground  floor  and  two  floors  over.  The 
floors  are  supported  on  wooden  posts  and  caps;  there  are  no  inter- 
nal cross  walls.  The  lower  floor  is  appropriated  to  the  storage  of 
wine  and  rum,  and  has  several  large  vats  for  vatting  the  rum.  The 
iirst  floor  is  appropriated  partly  to  the  vatting  department,  and  to 
the  storage  of  dry  goods,  and  the  upper  floor  is  also  appropriated 
to  the  storage  of  dry  goods. 

Nos.  1  and  2  rum  warehouses  and  vaults^  consist  of  cellar  and 
ground  floor.  The  cellars  are  groined  over  with  brick  .work,  but 
there  are  openings  formed  by  cast  iron  frames  in  the  vaults  inside 
the  building,  for  taking  in  and  delivering  the  rums.  There  are 
also  circular  openings  in  the  centre  of  each  groin  formed  by  cast 
iron  cylinders,  with  cast  iron  plates  covering  them,  having  glass 
illuminators  for  giving  light  to  the  vaults.  There  are  also  unen- 
closed internal  stone  staircases  against  the  front  and  back  w^alls,  to 
form  communications  between  the  vaults  and  the  ground  floor  of 
the  warehouses.  There  are  external  windows  in  the  vaults  on 
both  sides  those  on  the  south  side  (next  the  export  dock)  having 
iron  shutters.  There  ^re  also,  several  iron  doors  communicating 
with  an  area  extending  along  the  back.  There  are  iron  doors  and 
windows  in  the  Eorth  front  of  the  ground  story,  and  iron  doors 
but  no  windows  on  the  south  front.  The  roofs  are  formed  with 
lantern  lights.  These  two  warehouses  are  detached  from  each 
other,  No.  12  warehouse  intervening.  At  one  of  the  extreme  ends 
of  each  of  these  warehouse?  is  a  small  open-  shed,  with  groined 
vaults  of  brick  arches  undcrneatji,  similar  to  the  formerly  de- 
scribed vaults,  and  communicating  therewith;  also  appropriated  to 
the  storage  of  spirits.-  In  these  there  is  no  communication  between 
the  cellar  and  ground  floors;  but  there  are  cast  iron  cylinders  with. 


178  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

glass  illuminators  to  tlie  centre  of  the  groins  as  in  Nos.  1  and  2 
?um  warehouses.  Above  each  of  these  vaults  is  a  lantern  roof 
The  back  of  the  building  is  enclosed  with  a  brick  wall;  the  Iront 
next  the  import  dock  is  open.  ,  ,1. 

The  warehouses  for  the  reception  of  mahogany,  cedar,  and  other 
wood  o-oods,  are  as  follows:  Jic  the  east  wood  loharf,  two  sheds 
Nos  2''and  3  for  mahogany  enclosed  with  brick  walls,  and  having 
cast  iron  columns  and  caps  to  support  the  roof;  and  one  shed  No.  3, 
also  for  mahogany,  standing  on  wooden  posts.    The  wQDle  of  these 
three  sheds  have  travelling  machines  in  the  roofs  for  storing  the 
loes  in  piles,  and  for  delivering  them  onto  the  carriages  or  trucks. 
There  is  ako  a  shed  No.  1,  open»  in  front,  the  back  and  sides  en- 
closed with  brick  wails,  and  the  roof  supported  cy  iron  columns 
and  caps,  for  rose  wood,  ced^r,  an.d  other  woods.     Tne  whole  ot 
the  walls  of  these  buildings  have  considerable  openings  in  hem 
for  gaus-e^ays,  and  for  air  and  light.    At  the  west  wood  wharf , 
there  is  a  shed  No.  2,  for  m^.hogany,  with  travelling  machines  la- 
the roof,  similar  to   those  at  the  east  wood  wharf,  enclosed  with 
brick  walls;  also,  a  sh6d  No.  1,  for  cedar,  rose  wood,  &c.,  simnar 
to  No.  1,  at  the   east,  wood  wharf;  a  shed  No.  3,  open  in^front 
standinp;  upon  wooden  posts;  and  another  shed  No.  4,  open  in  iront, 
the  west  end  of  the  wharf.    Attached  to  the  wood  department 
are  also  3  sheds  contiguous  to  the  south  wall,  on  the  export  dock 
side,  constructed  oF  timber,  and  enclosed  with  open  battenm-s. 

The  whole  of  the  warehouses  for  import  goods  are  placed  at  a 
distance  from  the  water  varying  from  50  to  60  feet 

On  the  north,  east,  and  west 'quays  are  shelter  sheds  between  the 
warehouses  and  the  wharf  side,  to  protect  tho  goods  when  landed, 
till  ^Irarehoused,  and  while  being  coopered,  or  the  packages  otner- 
wise  repaired;  and  on  the  rum  quay  is  a  cast  iron  shed  continuing 
the  whole  length  of  the  quay.  .     .         •  , 

As  fires  are  not  permitted  in  any  part  oi  the  impor  dock,  the 
buildings  are  not  rendered  fire  proof  in  any  other  way  than  having 
iron  doors  in  the  party  walls,  as  already  described 

In  delivering  the  goods  into  craft  or  vessels  la  the  import  dock,, 
they  are  of  course  trucked  across  the  quay;  but  carts  and  wagons 
are  not  permitted  to  enter  the  gates  of  the  import  dock.  Tne  land 
delivery  is  effected  by  a  road  which  circum-cnoes  the  import  dock, 
so  that  the  import  business  is  not  interrupted  by  the  access  of  carts 
and  wagons  on  the  quay,  which  would  be  attended  witn  much  m- 

""""Tre^'dTpai  of  tv-ater  upon  the  sill  of  the  Blsckwall  dock  gates  at 
high  water,  by  Trinity  datum,  is  24  ft  3  in.;  but  the  spring  tides 
are  sometimes  one  or  two  feet  above  this  level,  and  the  neap  tides 
generally  from  3  to  5  feet  lower.  i     r  v  . 

The  machines  used  in  all  the.  docks  for  unloading  tne  ships  aie 
lib  cranes  of  various  powers,  up  to  15  tons,  fixed  on  the  dock  quays; 
tnd  derricks,  worked  by  jiggers  attached  to  them,  when  working, 
out  of  more  than  one  hatchway  at  a  time;  but  the  landing  crane, 
are  all  made  to  plumb  the  hatchways  of  the  ships. 

The  hou^^iDg  cianes  consist  of  iron  jibs  fixed  to  tne  upper  par^ 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


179 


of  the  warehouses,  connected  with  machines,  having  suitable  gear 
work  placed  on  the  gr6>und  floor  of  the  warehouses.  The  housing 
machines  to  the  rum  vaults  are  wrought  iron  jibs,  with  proper 
gearing  attached  to  them.  Four  of  the  mahogany  sheds  have  tra- 
velling machines  in  the  roofs  for  piling  the  logs,  and  for  deliver- 
ing them  on  to  trucks  or  wagons.  Heavy  logs  by  these  means  are 
moved  with  great  facility. 

The  whole  of  the  machinery  is  worked  by  manual  labor. 

There  are  inclosed  wooden  sheds,  requiring  no  particular  de- 
scription, in  the  export  dock,  for  the  reception  of  import  goods, 
as  well  as  goods  for  exportation. 


Easttrn  docks. 

JVo.  1  warehouse  consists  of  one  floor  only,  which  is  divided  into 
two  portions  hy  a  cross  wall,  in  which  are  iron  doors  of  commu- 
.  nication,  JVos.  2  and  3  warehouses  consist  of  ground^floor,  and  one 
floor  above,  communicating  with  each  other  by  openings  without 
d('crs  on  the  ground  floor,  and  by  iron  doors  on  the  one-pair  floor. 
The  story  posts  are  of  iron.  JVos.  4  a7id  5  loarehouses  are  precise- 
ly similar  to  Nos.  2  and  3  warehouses.  JVos,  6  and  7  warehouses 
consist  of  cellar  and  two  flcors  above  The  cellars  are  construct- 
ed with  groined  arches  on  iron  stsncheons.  They  communicate 
with  each  other  by  iron  doors.  The  entrances  to  the  vaults  are 
by  external  steps  and  iron  doors,  ujcid  there  is  no  internal  commu- 
nication between  the  cellar  aiul  ground  floor  stories.  There  are 
also  iron  doors  of  conununication  in  the  cross  walls  on  the  ground 
floor  and  first  floor. 

There  are  no  w^arehouses  for  the  numbers  between  7  and  12. 

Kos.  12  a-nd  13  wo,rehouses  consist  of  ground  floor  and  two  floors 
over.  There  is  a  party  w.all  dividing  the  w^arehouses  from  each 
•;.  other,  in  w4iick  are  iron  doors  of  communication  on  each  floor. 
The  floors  are  supported  by  iion  posts.  14  warehouse  con- 

sists of  one  story,  with  a  mezzanine  floor  throughout,  supported 
,  upon  iron  posts.  The  saltpetre  warehouses  on  the  north  quay  of 
the  ittport  dock  are  one  story  in  height,  and  consist  of  three  prin- 
cipal divisions,  and  two  small  intermediate  divisions.  There  are 
some  doors  of  communicatio^i  between  the  large  and  small  divi- 
sions, but  the  internal  communicadon  is  not  continued  so  as  to 
connect  the  principal  divisions  with  each  other. 

The  east  quay  warehouse  consists  of  ground  floor  story  ai^d  one 
story  over.  It  has  an  iron  roof  and  iron  posts  to  support  the  floor. 
There  i^  no  cross  wall  in  this  building. 

The  new  part  cf  the  cotton  warehouse,  en  the  north  side  of  the 
,  export  dock,  consists  of  ground  floor  story,  and  one  floor  over, 
having  travelling  machines  in  tbe  roof  for  housing  and  delivering 
..the  goods.  The  other  parts  of  the  building  cons^ist  of  one  story 
only.  There  is  a  com-munication  throughuut,  by  openings  in  the 
internal  wall?. 


180  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

On  the  quays  of  the  i^xport  docks  are  sheds  for  the  protection  of 
ffoods  brought  down  for  shipment;  and,  on  the  north  and  south 
quays  of  the  import  dock,  are  shelter  sheds  for  protecting  the  goods 

till  warehoused.  ,     ^,    ,      n   ,    i        ^  c 

The  depth  of  water  on  the  sill  of  the  Blackwall  lock  gates  of 
the  eastern  docks,  by  Trinity  datum,  is  24  feet  10  inches;  but  the 
spring  and  neap  tides  will  make  it  sometimes  more  or  less  tlian 
this. 

Tip  town  warehouses* 

Fenchurch  street  warehouse  contains  throughout  abasement  floor, 
the  greater  part  of  which  has  an  intermediate  floor  between  that 
and  the  ground  floor  story:  and  there  are  five  floors  above.  There  are 
several  division  walls  across  the  warehouses,  m  some  of  which  are 
communications  by  iron  doors.    For  affording  facility  for  housing 
and  delivering  at  these  Warehouses,  there  is  an   opening  lett  be- 
tween them,  culled  the  "long  yard."    There  are  also  two  quadran- 
gular delivery  yards,  one  at  the  north  end  and  the  other  at  the 
last  side  of  the  south   end,  which  are   constantly  used   for  de- 
livery.   There  is  also  a  quadrangular  delivery  yard   at  the  west 
cide  of  the  south  end,  which  is  not  generally  ^  used,  but  which 
^ould  be  made  available,  if  rendered  necessary  hy  the  classifica- 
tion of  goods,  or  any  other  cause.  ,     .  ,  • 

This  stack  of  warehouses  is  constructed  with  iron  story  posts  in 

the  basement  floor. 

The  whole  warehouse  is  appropriated  to  the  storage  ot  tea,  raw 

^'^^^lwr^!irf^^^^  contains  throughout  abasement  floor,  and 

five  floors  above,  and  has  a  communication  on  the  cellar  floor  and 
the  upper  floois  with  Fenchurch  street  warehouse,  by  iron  doors. 
This  warehouse  has  some  division  walls  in  which  are  also  iron 
doors  The  floors  of  the  ground  floor- story  are  supported  by  iron 
posts.  There  is  a  quadrangular  area  to  the  warehouse  lor  housing 
and  delivering  the  goods.  -     Ac  •  a- 

This  stack  is  appropriated  to  the  housingibf  indigo. 

Crutcked  Friars  warehouse  contains  throughout  a  basement  floor, 
the  oreater  part  of  which  has  an  intermediate  floor  between^  that 
andihe  ground  floor  story;  and  there  are  five  floors  above,  ihere 
are  division  walls  across  this  warehouse,  in  which  are  iron  doors. 
The  floors  of  the  ground  floor  story  are  supported  by  iron  story 
posts.  There  is  an  internal  open  quadrangular  area  for  housing  and 

dflwei ing  the  goods.  •  /.  i  i 

This  warehouse  is  appropriated  to  the  storage  of  tea,  wool,  lad 

dvc.  shellac,  aiul  dry  hides. 

DWUer  s'rat  warehouse  is  formed  ^Tlth  two  quadrangular  open 
areas 'for  housing  an'd  delivering  the  goods,  the  nojth  area  ot  ^h^ci 
Tas  bten  covered  whh  a  glazed  roof  between  the  ground  and  first 
fl.o, ,  as  a  shew  room  for  ivory.  The  warehouse  contains  a  base, 
•uent  and  four  floors  above.  There  are  division  walls,  with  door, 
of  comu.uaicalioa  in  the  same,  which  are  partly  of  iron. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


181 


This  warenouse  is  appropriated  to  the  storage  of  silk  and  cottoa 
piece  goods,  ivory,  cinnamon,  and  drugs,  and  China  and  lacquered 
ware. 

4.  The  means  used  to  guard  and  protect  the  goods  from  combus^ 
tion  and  the  buildings  from  fire  and  accident;  how,  and  at  what 
time,  fires  are  permitted  or  lights  introduced,  and  in  what  manner, 
and  the  means  for  extinguishing  fires. 

Iron  doors  in  the  division  walls  have  been  introduced  in  some  of 
the  north  quay  warehouses  of  the  western  import  dock;  the  vaults 
under  the  rum  warehouses  are  arched  with  brick  work.  Iron  doors 
and  iron  shutters  to  the  windows  are  fixed  in  the  front  of  the  vaults 
and  warehouse  next  the  export  dock.  Neither  lights  nor  fires  are 
permitted  either  on  board  ships  in  the  western  import  dock,  where 
the  principal  part  of  the  company's  business  is  transacted,  on  the 
quays,  or  in  any  of  the  warehouses;  but  in  the  eastern  import  dock, 
the  export  and  south  docks,  fire  and  lights  are  allowed  in  the  offices 
and  on  boaid  ships,  between  the  hours  of  6,  a.  m.,  and  9,  p.  m., 
under  special  licenses  to  be  obtained  from  the  company's  principal 
of  police.  See  regulations  as  to  fire  and  candle,  page  14,  appen- 
dix B. 

Land  and  floating  fire  engines,  the  property  of  the  company,  are 
placed  at  several  stations  round  the  docks,  completely  fitted  with 
the  necessary  appendages.  These  engines  are  exercised  on  a  fixed 
day  in  each  month  by  the  officers  and  men  on  the  establishment. 
They  are  constantly  attended  to  and  kept  in  good  working  con- 
dition. 

At  the  up  town  warehouses  candle  light,  when  required,  is  sup- 
plied in  locked  lanterns. 

There  is  a  police  patrol,  relieved  at  regulated  intervals,  con- 
stantly on  duty,  both  at  the  town  warehouses  and  the  open  docks, 
who  have  special  charge  in  respect  to  all  fire  and  light;  and  any 
infringement  of  the  company's  regulations  in  this  respect  can  be 
punished  by  fine,  under  the  authority  of  the  company's  act  of  Par* 
liaraent. 

5.  How  far  and  to  what  extent  iron  has  been  introduced  in  the 
construction  of  warehouses,  either  for  roof,  rafters,  joists,  or  other- 
wise, as  well  as  the  materials  for  flooring  and  the  expense  of  build- 
ing such  warehouses;  with,  if  practicable,  a  ground  plan  of  the 
dock  and  warehouses  attached  thereto. 

Iron  work  has  been  used  in  the  construction  of  the  warehouses^ 
only  in  the  following  parts  of  the  work,  viz:  posts  and  caps  for 
supporting  some  ef  the  floors;  doors  in  party  walls  partially  intro- 
duced; external  doors  to  rum  warehouses  and  vaults;  sashes  to  the 
-windows  of  the  warehouses;  shutters  to  sashes  in  rum  vaults;  iron 
columns  and  caps  to  support  roofs  of  mahogany  sheds;  quay  shed 
at  rum  department  wholly  of  iron;  columns  and  girders  for  sup- 
porting roofs  of  rum  warehouses  and  sheds,  and  for  frames  to  open- 
ings in  vaults  of  rum  warehouses;  also,  for  columns  and  caps  to 
some  portions  of  the  open  sheds  on  the  quay.  Cast  iron  has  not 
been  introduced  either  for  roofs,  rafters,  joists,  or  otherwise,  except 


182 


Ek.  Doc.  No.  57. 


as  described  above.  All  the  roofs  and  girders  of  the  warehouses 
and  sheds,  with  the  exception  of  the  rum  quay  shed  already  men- 
tioned, are  of  timber,  as  well  as  the  joists  and  flooring. 

With  regard  to  the  expens?!  of  building  such  warehouses,  this 
company  has  no  data  upon  which  it  could  give  a  satisfactory  esti- 
mate. Some  of  their  warehouses  were  built  in  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century,  and  it  is  obvious  that  no  calculation  could  be 
formed  from  the  expense  incurred  in  those  erections.  If  they  had 
now  new  warehouses  to  build,  they  vrould  put  the  work  up  to  ten- 
der by  contract,  and  would  decide,  probably,  with  reference  not 
merely  to  the  lowest  offer,  but  to  the  known  capability  of  the  party 
so  tendering  to  execute  the  work  in  a  satisfactory  manner. 

A  ground  plan  of  the  docks  and  warehouses  is  transmitted  here- 
with, (appendix  G,)  which  will  exhibit  the  position  of  every  shed 
and  building  on  the  premises,  and  the  spots  wjiere  the  several  fixed 
cranes  are  placed.  * 

6.  How,  and  for  what  terms,  and  at  what  rate  of  rent,  the  ware- 
houses for  tobacco  are  leased  to  the  government  1 

There  is  no  tobacco  warehouse  in  the  East  and  West  India 
docks. 

7.  The  amount  of  goods  stored,  giving  the  description  as  far  as 
practicable,  and  the  quantity  and  character  of  each,  the  rate  of 
storage,  how  far  the  charge  is  diminished  for  a  longer  period  of 
storage.    (This  question  refers  only  to  goods  in  bond.) 

The  fluctuations  in  the.  stock  of  goods,  by  the  landing  of  new 
goods,  or  tjie  delivery  of  old  goods,  will  be  of  daily  occurrence^ 
but  it  is  considered  that  a  series  of  the  monthly  stock  accounts  for 
the  year  ended  on  31st  August  last,  (the  latest  period  to  w^hich  it 
can  be  accurately  compiled,)  will  show,  as  far  as  practicable,  the 
quantity  and  description  of  goods  usually  warehoused  by  the  com- 
pany.   Such  a  series  is  transsiitted  herewith,  (appendix  A.) 

A  copy  of  the  last  edition  of  the  table  of  rates^  (p.ppendix  B,) 
will  explain  the  operation  of  the  charges. 

It  may  be  stated  that  the. accrued  rents,  due  to  the  company  on 
the  goods  warehoused  with  them  on  the  ^Oih  September  last,  are 
estimated  at  about  X96,000. 

8.  A  full  description  of  the  bocks  kept  at  each  warehouse,  and 
by  what  number  and  character  of  clerks  and  other  officers;  the 
check  GDI  subordiate  storekeepers  to  ascertain  the  disposition 
made  of  goods  entrusted  to  their  custody;  the  manner  of  keeping 
their  accounts;  how  often  examined  to  test  their  correctness,  and 
by  whom;  how  an  examination  is  made  of  the  goods  on  hand,  and 
how  often;  the  different  blank  forms  for  the*receipts  and  delivery 
of  merchandise,  and  the  means  to  prevent  adulteration  of  liquors 
and  other  articles. 

For  the  conyenienee  of  business,  the  whole  of  the  company's 
warehouses  are  numbered  or  named,  and  are  divided  into  depart- 
ments, each  comprising  one,  two,  or  more  warehouses.    All  the 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


183 


departments  for  dry  goods  are  conducted  upon  the  same  plan,  and 
therefore  a  description  of  one  will  be  sufficient  for  all. 

The  department  for  wet  goods,  called  'Hhe  rum  and  wine  de- 
partment,'*' differing  in  many  respects  from  the  others,  a  descrip- 
tion of  this  is  given  also. 

It  must,  however,  be  understood,  that  the  business  transacted  at 
the  warehouses  themselves,  v/hether  for  wet  or  dry  goods,  relates 
only  to  the  reception  of  goods  from  the  ship;  their  management 
and  custody  in  the  warehouse,  and  final  delivery  therefrom;  the 
account  of  all  charges  incurred,  and  the  authentication  and  record 
of  all  authorities  for  transfer  or  delivery,  being  kept  in  the  general 
office.  The  arrangement  of  the  general  offi.ce,  western  dock,  will 
be  found  in  the  following  statement: 


184 


Ex.  Doc.  No,  57, 


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Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


To  insure  the  security  of  the  company,  with  respect  to  the  cor- 
rect delivery  of  goods,  the  due  colleetion  of  the  charges,  and  the 
preservation  of  uniformity  and  accuracy  in  the  system  of  accounts, 
is  the  duty  of  the  examiner^s  oince.  This  department  is  composed 
of  one  principal  clerk  and  eleven  assistanrts,  with  further  aid  when 
necessary,  and  is  under  the  special  control  and  direction  of  the  in- 
spector. 

The  course  of  examination  is  as  follows: 

The  bills  of  charges,  after  preparation  by  the  ieger  clerks,  are 
examined  as  to  their  correctness  in  every  point,  before  the  goods 
are  delivered,  and  if  found  to  be  correct,  they  are  certified  by  the 
examining  clerk. 

The  daily  warehouse  accounts  or  schedules,  termed  ''specifica- 
tions" are  examined  on  the  day  following,  and  compared  with  the 
conslablps'  passes,  the  delivery,  and  other  orders,  to  ascertain  that 
the  correct  goods  have  been  delivered.  To  insure  that  the  correct 
amount  of  charges  has  been  paid  to  the  company,  the  amount  of 
receipts  entered  by  the  Icger  clerks  in  the  specification  is  com- 
pared with  the  total  amount  of  the  receiver's  receipts. 

The  delivery,  and  all  other  orders,  are  examined,  also,  with 
reference  to  the  correctness  of  their  endorsements,  and  to  insure 
that  the  quantities  ordered  to  be  delivered  are  correctly  discharged 
from  the  document,  and  properly  posted  in  the  company's  large 
leger. 

To  -illustrate  the  arrangement  of  warehouses  and  offices,  herein 
described,  a  series  of  forms  of  documents  filled  up  accompanies 
this,  (appendix  C,)  which  are  copied  from  an  actual  transaction, 
and  shows  the  whole  course  of  business,  with  reference  to  two  con- 
signments, one  of  dry  and  the  other  of  wet  goods.  This  series 
exhibits  every  operation  upon  those  two  consignments,  as  it  ac- 
tually occurred,  commencing  with  the  landing  from  the  ship  to  the 
final  delivery  from  the  warehouse,  and  discharge  from  the  cona- 
pany's  books.  In  the  series  will  be  found  an  illustration  of  all 
operations  of  importance  connected  with  every  description  of  dry 
or  wet  goods  warehoused  with  the  company. 

With  regard  to  the  means  used  to  prevent  adulteration  of  liquors 
and  other  articles,  it  is  presumed  that  the  general  supervision  of 
the  company's  and  customs'  officers  combined,  is  sufficient  to  pre- 
vent any  transactions  of  the  kind  referred  to;  the  goods  being  ia 
the  custody  of  the  customs,  as  well  as  in  that  of  the  company. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


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Ex.  Doc.  N.  57. 


In  addition  to  the  permanent  establishment  connected  with  the 
docks  and  warehouses  of  the  company,  it  has  been  always  neces- 
sary to  maintain  an  establishment  in  London,  where  the  beard 
meetings  of  the  directors  are  held,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  commercial 
markets,  and  where  the  offices  under  the  immediate  direction  and 
control  of  the  secretary  are  placed. 

The  duties  of  the  secretary  will  be  conjectured  to  be  such  as 
appertain  generally  to  the  office  of  secretary  to  a  large  public  com- 
pany. He  attends  all  meetings  of  the  board,  and  communicates 
their  instructions  to  the  servants  of  the  company  and  to  the  public. 

The  offices  immediately  under  his  control  are: 

The  secretary's  office.  , 

The  accountant  of  the  company. 

The  general  office,  where  manifest  books  corresponding  with  the 
cargo  legers  at  the  docks  are  kept;  where  prime  and  landing  rates 
are  paid,  and  whence  warrants  and  checques  are  issued. 

The  receiver's,  to  whom  the  dock  and  warehouse  receivers  trans- 
mit their  cash  balances  and  accounts. 

The  shipping  office,  where  the  correspondence  with  ship  owners 
is  conducted;  and 

The  sample  office,  fron  which  samples  which  have  been  sent  up 
from  the  decks  and  warehouses  are  delivered  to  the  brokers. 

The  dividend  office,  where  dividends  are  paid  to  the  proprietors 
of  dock  stock,  and  where  transfers  thereof  are  effected. 

10.  The  hours  within  which  the  warehouses  are  kept  open,  what 
articles  are  considered  combustible  or  perishable,  how  or  where 
the  combustible  or  perishable  articles  are  kept, and  for  what  length, 
of  time. 

The  hours  of  attendance  are  stated  in  the  reorulations  prefixed  to 
the  table  of  rates,  p.  16,  (appendix  B.*) 

Of  the  goods  ordinarily  received  at  these  docks,  there  are  none 
which  come  under  the  denomination  of  combustible  or  perishable. 
If  such  should,  however,  be  received,  the  combustible  would  be 
placed  in  some  separate  spot,  and  the  perishable,  when  likely  to 
become  of  less  value  than  the  amount  of  charges,  would  be  so  re- 
ported to  the  owners,  and,  if  not  cleared  away,  would  be  brought 
to  sale  on  account  of  the  company,  under  the  authority  of  their  act 
of  Parliament. 

11.  The  actual  expense  of  warehousing  goods  and  of  keeping 
thtm  in  warehouse,  distinguishing  the  different  kinds  of  goods,  say 
dry  goods,  or  hardware  in  packages,  sugars,  molasses,  tea,  coffee, 
spices,  dye  woods,  hides,  wines  ©r  spirits,  in  ciisk  ©r  in  bottle. 

The  actual  expense  of  warehousing  different  kinds  of  goods  will 
be  found  detailed  in  the  table  of  rates,  (appendix  B,)  that  is  to 
say,  this  table  will  show  the  charges  which  the  company  would 
demand  of  parties  who  may  warehouse  any  particular  description 
of  goods  with  them. 

If  the  question  is  meant  to  apply  to  the  actual  expease  incurred 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


193 


by  the  company,  there  are  no  accounts  kept  from  which  such  a. 
computation  could  be  made. 

Many  matters  must  be  taken  into  consideratiDn  with  reepect  to 
this,  viz:  the  cost  of  warehouse  erection;  the  rates  of  wages,  whe- 
ther paid  to  the  laborers  or  to  the  superintendents;  the  rate  of 
insurance  from  fire;  and  the  necessity  of  realizing  a  dividend  oa 
the  private  capital  invested  in  the  speculation. 

It  may  be  stated  that  the  capital  of  the  company  is  ^£2,065,668, 
and  that  the  present  rate  of  dividend  arising  from  profits  on  the 
business  of  dock  and  warehouse  conjoined,  is  ^£6  per  cent,  per  an- 
num. 

How  far  marine  or  other  railways  are  used  for  placing  goods  ia 
the  warehouses,  and  the  length  of  time  occupied  in  warehousing 
cargoes  as  well  as  in  shipping  them  from  the  warehouses,  together 
with  the  delay  on  this  account  and  detention  of  vessels,  and  what 
portion  of  the  time  of  a  vessel  is  taken  up  in  depositing  and  re- 
ceiving goods  from  each  warehouse? 

E-aiiways  have  not  yet  been  used  in  immediate  connection  with 
the  docks. 

The  time  occupied  in  landing  cargoes,  of  course,  varies  according 
to  the  size  of  vessel,  and  the  description  and  condition  of  the  goods. 
The  discharge  of  a  ship  from  the  West  Indies,  consisting  of  sugar 
in  hogsheads,  averages  about  100  tons  of  goods  daily;  from  the 
East  Indies,  about  150  tons;  and  of  a  ship  laden  with  timber — ma- 
hogany and  teak,  about  50  tons.  Under  favorable  circumstances^ 
vessels  are  occasionally  discharged  with  much  greater  despatch,  as 
will  be  seen  from  the  three  examples  in  appendix  E. 

The  stowing  away  of  the  goods  in  the  warehouse  will  proceed 
equally  with  the  discharge  of  the  vessel,  except  in  cases  where 
much  coopering  or  mending  of  the  packages  may  be  required  to 
enable  them  to  retain  in  safety  their  contents  while  in  the  ware- 
house. 

Ships  loading  goods  outward,  are  in  charge  of  their  owners,  and 
the  time  occupied  in  receiving  and  stowing  cargoes  cannot  be  de- 
termined by  the  company's  officers. 

13.  Packages  in  bad  order,  how  re-packed,  &c  ,and  how  far  the 
importer  is  allowed  the  control,  direction,  or  supervision  of  such 
labor;  whether  the  description  of  package  can  be  altered,  and  under 
what  restrictions'? 

The  re-packing  of  goods  is  provided  for  by  act  of  Parliament- 
See  Customs  Warehousing  act,  8  cc  9,  Vict.,  c.  91. 

The  company's  proceedings  in  the  matter  are  explained  in  the 
matter  are  explained  in  the  table  of  rates.  See  regulations  respect- 
ing merchandise,  (page  29,  appe'-dix  B.) 

The  necessary  mending  and  repair  of  the  packages  at  landing  to 
lit  them  for  storing  in  the  warehouse,  is  carried  on  by  the  company 
without  the  control,  direction,  or  supervision  of  such  labor,  by  the 
importer.  But  in  some  cases  of  wet  goods,  such  as  spiri's  landed 
in  casks,  which  are  not  sufficiently  strong  to  keep  the  contents  in. 
safety  in  the  warehouse,  notice  is  given  to  him  oi  the  necessity  of 
13 


194 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Tacking,  and  he  has  the  option  of  supplying  a  cask  of  sufficient 
strength,  or  of  obtaining  one  from  the  company's  store  at  their 
regulate^  price. 

14.  What  is  the  custom  of  importers  in  regard  to  insurance  on 
merchandise  in  'the  docks;  what  rates  of  premium  are  charged? 
Do  the  dock  companies  insure  their  warehouses;  and  if  so,  the 
preiiiium  paid  thereon? 

The  company  is  not  quite  cognizant  of  the  custom  of  importers 
in  regard  to  insurance  of  merchandise  in  the  docks;  but  as  the 
company  insures  their  warehouses  and  premises  in  the  Imperial 
Fire  Office,  at  a  general  premission  of  Is.  6d.  per  cent,  either  for 
dock  premises  or  up  tovrn  warehouses,  they  have  inquired  there  as 
to  the  rates  for  goods  in  those  warehouses,  and  they  find  them  to 
"be  Is.  6d.  per  cent,  for  goods  at  the  East  India  or  West  India  docks; 
and' 25.  per  cent,  for  goods  in  the  up  town  warehouses. 

It  is,  however,  believed  .that  different  rates  prevail  with  other 
insurance  offices. 

15.  W^hat  returns  are  made  statistical,  or  otherwise,  to  the  go- 
Ternment  of  the  bonded  goods  in  hand,  and  what  data  these  re- 
turns are  made  from? 

No  such  returns  are  made  to  government;  but  when  goods  have 
remained  three  years  upon  the  customs  books,  the  particulars  are 
extracted,  and  a  list  of  them  delivered  to  the  company  for  com- 
parison with  their  books,  and  ultimately  with  the  goods  themselves 
in  the  warehouses. 

16.  Please  give  blank  forms  of  such  returns,  and  of  all  forms 
connected  with  the  warehousing  of  bonded  articles,  and  plans  of 
the  different  descriptions  of  hoisting  apparatus  used  in  your  docks. 

The  answer  to  the  preceeding  question  will  have  shown  that  no 
such  statistical  returns  are  furnished,  and  there  are,  therefore,  no 
forms  to  supply. 

Blank  copies  of  all  forms  in  use  by  the  company  are  attached, 
(appendix  D,)  and  the  use  and  application  of  them  will  be  seen  in 
the  details  of  the  consignments,  (appendix  C.) 

The  hoisting  apparatus  is  so  fully  described  in  answer  to  ques- 
tion No.  3,  that  it  is  supposed  ri,o  drawn  plans  will  be  necessary. 

17.  Please  to  give  form  of  certificate  issued  to  owner  of  goods 
in  bond;  the  regulations  convierning  the  transfer  of  property 
under  such  certificates,  and  the  laws  governing  the  same;  are 
such  certificates  used  as  security  for  obtaining  loans  from  the  bank 
of  England  or  other  bankers;  and  how  do  they  compare  with  other 
securities  in  the  market? 

The  certificates  issued  to  the  owners  of  goods  are  warrants  and 
checques,  forms  of  which  will  be  found  in  appendix  D,  and  the 
regulations  which  govern  the  issue  of  these  documents  will  be 
found  in  the  book  of  table  of  rates,  see  pages  25  to  32,  (appendix 

The  dock  company  have  no  authority  under  thoir  act  of  parlia- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


195 


ment  for  issuing  these  warrants  or  cheques;  but  custom  has  sanc- 
tioned the  use  of  them,  and  their  validity  is  universally  acknow- 
ledged i-j.  commercial  circles. 

But  J  although  the  power  of  the  company  to  issue  such  warrants 
"or  checques  has  no  direct  jiarliamentary  recogni-tion  in  the  acts 
whence  the  company  derive  their  general  powers,  it  is  to  be  stated 
that,  in  the  act  of  parliament,  for  regulating  the  relations  of  prin- 
cipal and  agent,  (5  and  G.  Vict.,  C.  39.)  such  recognition  is.  fully  es- 
tablished, as  the  4th  clause  declares,  *Hhat  any  bill  of  lading,  India 
warrant,  dock  warrant,  warehouse  keeper^  certificate,  warrant  or 
order  for  the  delivery  of  goods,  or  any  other  document  used  in  the 
ordinary  course  of  business,  as  proof  of  the 'possession  or  control, 
of  goods,  or  authorizing,  or  purporting  to  authorize,  either  by 
endorsement  or  by  delivery,  the  possessor  of  such  document  to 
transfer  or  receive  goods  thereby  represented,  shall  be  deemed  and 
taken  to  be  a  document  of  title  within  the  meaning  of  this  act." 

The  issue  of  such  a  document  or  symbol  of  the  goods  by  the 
company  is  held  to  be  a  constructive  delivery,  entailing  upon  the 
company  the  necessity  of  making  an  actual  delivery  to  a  hona  fide 
holder  of  such  document;  and  therefore  marks  the  limit  of  time 
"vvithin  which  the  company  consider  themselves  authorized  to  re- 
ceive an  arrest  for  ireight  under  the  provisions  of  the  warehousing 
act. 

The  course  of  business  has  frequently  made  it  known  to  the  com- 
pany that  their  warrants  or  checques  are  used  as  securities  for  ob- 
taining loans;  indeed  the  acts  of  parliament  respecting  principal 
and  agent  before  quoted,  recognize  this  practice;  but  the  company 
are  not  in  a  posiUon  to  estim'ate  their  commercial  value  in  com- 
parison with  other  securities. 

H. 

London  Dock, 

December  20,  ISH. 

Questions  addressed  to  London  Do ck^ Company  hy  the  commissioners , 

and  their  replies. 

1.  The  number  of  warehouses  in  these  docks  where  foreign  im-  ' 
ports  are  stowed,  and  how  far  separated  into  distinct  stores  by 
permanent  wall,  or  by  iron  doors,  or  by  other  mode  of  sjeparationl 

Jinswtr. 
See  memorandum  marked  A. 

2.  The  description  of  goods  thus  stored,  and  hov  far  there  are 
separate  stores  for  different  descriptions  of  goods? 

Answer. 

Tea,  tobaccO;  wines  -and  spirits,  are  kept  separate  from  other 
goods  by  law.    Other  goods  are  also  stowed,  so  as  far  as  practica- 


196 


Ex.  Doc.  N.  57, 


ble,  such  classifiation  tending  to  the  more  convenient  transaction  of 
business. 

3.  A  full  description  of  the  warehouses  or  stores;  how  and  of 
what  material  built;  number  of  stores  or  floors  and  depths  and  ex- 
tent of  cellars;  how  far  they  are  lire-proof  and  to  what  extent 
erected  on  arches  without  timber;  how  many  of  them  are  immedi- 
ately upon  the  water  and  how  many  distant  therefrom;  and  how 
far  the  conveniences  of  landing  and  of  loading  and  unloading  goods 
to  and  from  them;  the  depth  of  water  at  the  docks  or  basins;  the 
nature  and  position  of  the  hoisting  apparatus  at  the  place  of  land- 
ing and  at  the  warehouse,  either  by  steam  or  otherwise'? 

Answer, 
See  memorandum  marked  A. 

The  tobacco  warehouse  abuts  on  the  quay  side  for  revenue  secu- 
rity. 

Wines  and  spirits  are  kept  on  the  quay  one  month  before  they 
are  housed,  consequently  require  considerable  quay  room. 

To  many  other  goods  coopering  and  repairs  are  more  conveniently 
done  on  the  quays,  and  extensive  quay  and  shed  room  saves  the 
expense  of  housing  on  goods  for  immediate  delivery. 

4.  The  means  used  to  guard  and  protect  the  goods  from  combus- 
tion and  the  buildings  from  fire  and  accident;  how  and  at  what 
times-fires  are  permitted  or  lights  introduced,  and  in  what  manner, 
and  the  means  for  extinguishing  fires. 

Ansioer. 

The  principal  warehouses  in  the  dock  for  the  deposite  of  goods 
are  brick  built,  and  divided  into  rooms  and  floors  by  thick  partition 
walls  communicating  by  double  iron  doors;  the  warehouses  are  sit- 
uated at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  shipping,  and  separated 
from  private  buildings  by  a  bouftlary  wall  having  a  space  of  thirty 
feet  round  outside. 

Fires  and  lights  are  not  allowed  in  the  warehouses.  The  vaults 
'  are  built  with  brick,  stone  and  iron,  no  timber  being  used  in  their 
construction;  open  lamps  are  used  in  the  wine  vaults,  no  danger 
being  apprehended  therefrom;  at  the  close  of  business  the  lamps 
are  all  brought  forward  and  deposited  in  a  rack,  by  which  means 
it  is  instantly  seen,  by  the  person  having  charge  thereof,  if  any  are 
missing. 

In  the  spirit  vaults,  open  lights  are  not  allowed — only  lamps  in 
locked  lanterns. 

Fires  and  lights  are  allowed  on  board  ships  under  certain  regu- 
lations, but  never  before  5,  a.  m.,  nor  after  9,  p.  m.  The  proper 
times  of  lighting  and  extinguishing  fires  and  lights  on  board  ships, 
according  to  the  season,  are  attended  to  by  the  police. 

One  powerful  floating  fire  engine,  and  four  large  land  engines, 
with  all  necessary  hose  and  gear,  are  kept  in  constant  readiness, 
with  a  supply  of  water  from  the  East  London  Water  Works  Com- 
pany's mains  by  10  fire  cocks,  each  of  which  are  equal  to  a  fire  en- 


IMiAX    Ol"     THK     LONDON  DOCKS. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


197 


glne  of  16  men;  60  of  the  company's  servants  residing  witliin  sound 
of  the  alarm  bells,  (of  which  there  are  four,)  trained  monthly  in 
the  use  and  management  of  the  engines  in  the  event  of  accidental 
fire.  Firemen  and  police  constables  patrol  the  premises  day  and 
night. 

5.  How  far  and  to  what  extent  iron  has  been  introduced  in  the 
construction  of  warehouses,  either  for  roof,  rafters,  joices,  or  other- 
wise, as  well  as  the  materials  for  flooring,  and  the  expense  of 
building  such  warehouses  with,  if  practicable,  a  ground  plan  of 
the  dock  and  warehouses  attached  thereto  1 

Answer, 

See  memorandum,  marked  A  and  B. 

7.  The  amount  of  goods  stored,  giving  the  description  as  far  as 
practicable,  and  the  quantity  and  character  of  each,  the  rate  of 
storage:  how  far  the  charge  is  diminished  for  a  longer  period  of 
storage  '? 

(This  question  refers  only  to  goods  in  bond.) 

Answer, 

The  capacity  of  the  several  warehouses  is  shown  on  the  paper 
marked  A,  attached  hereto;  the  quantity  and  character  of  goods 
varies  according  to  circumstan?es. 

The  rate  of  storage  is  shown  by  the  company's  table  of  rates; 
there  is  no  diminution  of  rent  in  consideration  of  the  length  of 
storage,  excepting  on  wood,  which  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  the 
company's  table;  and  which  also  shows  that  the  rent  on  wine  is  in- 
creased after  a  certain  length  of  ^torage. 

8.  A  full  description  of  the  books  kept  at  such  warehouses,  and 
by  what  number  and  character  of  clerks  and  other  officers;  the 
checks  on  subordinate  storekeepers  to  ascertain  the  disposition 
made  of  goods  entrusted  to  their  custody;  the  manner  of  keeping 
their  accounts;  how  often  examined  to  test  their  correctness,  and 
by  whom;  how  an  examination  is  made  of  the  goods  on  hand,  and 
how  often;  the  different  blank  forms  for  the  receipt  and  delivery  of 
merchandise,  and  the  m-eans  to  prevent  adulteration  of  liquors  and 
other  articles'? 

Answer. 

See  memorandum,  marked  C,  as  to  the  books.  Wines  and  spirits 
are  imported  by  marks  and  brands,  which  generally  denote  the 
quality,  and  by  which  they  are  identified;  these  quality  marks  and 
brands  are  never  allowed  to  be  altered  by  the  substitution  of  any 
others;  neither  is  wine  or  spirits  of  other  marks  or  brands  aljowed 
to  be  mixed  without  the  erasure  of  all  marks  or  brands  on  such 


198 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


mixed  liquors,  and  tlie  substitution  of  V  or  indicative  of  their 
having  been  vatted  or  blended-  they  are  also  under  the  joict  lock 
of  the  crown  and  the  company.  Thus  far  the  property  is  protected 
from  being  tampered  with  while  under  the  company's  charge. 

The  merchant  generally  samples  at  landing,  and  has  access  to 
his  property  at  any  time  he  thinks  proper. 

The  rules  and  regulations  for  the  guidance  of  the  company's  ser- 
vants, with  the  general  surveillance  exercised  for  the  due  obser- 
vance of  these  rules,  is  found  sufficient  to  keep  them  from  lending 
themselves  to  any  malpractices. 

10.  The  hours  \vithin  which  the  warehouses  are  kept  open  ? 
What  articles  are  considered  combustible  or  perishable;  and  how 
or  where  the  combustible  or  perishable  articles  are  kept,  and  for 
what  length  of  time  7 

Jin  silver. 

See  book  of  rates  and  regulations,  marked  D.  Spirits,  tar,  tur- 
pentine, pitch,  hemp,  flax,  lucifer  raatchesj  acids,  hay  and,  straw, 
are  considered  combustible  materials. 

Brandy,  rum  and  Hollands  are  housed  in  the  vaults.  Spirits  of 
turpentine,  and  the  other  articles  as  above,  except  hemp  and  flax, 
are  not  allowed  to  be  housed. 

There  are  very  few,  if  any,  perishable  articles  housed,  or  if 
housed,  are  not  suffered  to  be  long  #nough  to  perish. 

There  has  never  occurred  a  case  of  spontaneous  combustion  in 
the  warehouses  of  these  docks,  although  two  cases  have  takea 
place  on  board  ships,  caused  by  bales  of  oiled  clothing. 

12.  How  far  marine  or  other  railways  are  used  for  placing  goods 
in  the  warehouses,  and  the  length*of  time  occupied  in  warehousing 
cargoes,  as  well  as  in  shipping  them  from  the  warehouses,  together 
with  the  delay  on  this  account,  and  detention  of  vessels;  and  w^hat 
portion  of  the  time  of  a  vessel  is  taken  up  in  depositing  and  re- 
ceiving goods  from  each  warehouse. 

Answer. 

The  time  occupied  in  the  discharge  of  cargoes  cannot  be  given 
with  accuracy,  as  delay  for  lighters  for  overside  goods  entries  at 
the  custom-house  frequently  occurs;  the  latter  cause  is,  to  a  certain 
extent,  obviated  by  the  law  which  empow^ers  the  London  Dock 
Company  to  pass  entries  and  land  the  goods  alter  two  days  from  the 
one  on  which  the  ship  reported.  Waiting  for  ballast  is  a  delay  of 
frequent  occurreace.  The  time  occupied  in  \varehousing  cargoes, 
&c.,  is  dependent  on  circumstances,  such  as  the  nature  of  their 
goods,  their  being  ready  for  unshipment  and  description  of  the  stow- 
age required;  where  there  has  been  no  impediment,  vessels  from 
200  tcf  300  tons  have  been  discharged  in  from  one  to  two  days. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


199 


13.  Packages  in  bad  order,  how  repacked? 

How /ar  the  importer  is  allowed  the  control  or  supervision  of 
such  labor? 

Whether  the  description  of  package  can  be  altered,  and  under 
what  restrictions? 

Answer, 

Repairs  to  packages  are  done  according  to  the  custom  of  the 
port. 

The  importer's  attention  is  only  called  thereto  where  the  repairs 
(being  extensive)  are  likely  to  entail  a  heavy  expense;  hisinstruc- 
tioas°re  then  obtained,  but  the  work  is  always  performed  by  the 
company. 

Packages  are  frequently  altered,  and  if  they  are  in  bond,  suck 
alteration  does  not  take  place  except  in  the  presence  of  a  revenue 
officer. 

14.  What  is  the  custom  among  importers  in  regard, to  insurance 
on  merchandise  in  the  docks;  what  rates  of  premium  are  charged? 

Do  the  dock  company  insure  their  warehouses,  and  if  so,  the  pre- 
miums paid  thereon? 

Answer, 

Importers  insure  their  goods  in  the  dock  warehouses,  or  not,  as 
they  please;  the  rates  on  merchandise  are  not  known  to  the  do3k 
company. 

The  company  insure  their  warehouses  to  a  certain  proportion  of 
their  value,  the  ordinary  premium  being  1^.  6ci.  per  cent,  per 
annum. 

15.  What  returns  are  made,  stsftistical  or  otherwise,  to  the  govern- 
ment of  the  bonded  goods  on  hand,  and  what  data  these  returns 
are  made  from. 

Answer. 

A  triennial  comparison  is  made  of  the  goods  in  store  by  the  cus- 
toms and  company's  books,  and  the  customs  officers  satisfy  them- 
selves by  inspection  that  the  goods  remain. 

16.  Please  give  blank  forma  of  such  returns,  and  of  all  forms 
connected  with  the  warehousing  of  bonded  articles,  and  plans  of 
the  different  descriptions  of  hoisting  apparatus  used  in  your  docks. 

Answer, 

See  forms  marked  E. 

17.  Please  give  form  of  certificate  issued  to  owner  of,  goods 
in  bond,    the  regulations  concerning  the  transfer  of  property 


200  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

-under  such  certificates,  and  the  laws  governing  the  same;  are  such 
certificates  used  as  security  for  obtaining  loans  from  the  .bank  of 
England  or  other  bankers,  and  how  do  they  compare  with  other  se- 
curities in  the  markets. 


Answer 


See  forms  marked  F.  The  holder  of  a  warrant  duly  endorsed  is 
the  recognized  proprietor  of  the  goods  described  therein,  and  can 
claim  them  at  any  time.  It  is  also  a  document  on  which  money  is 
raised,  the  transfer  of  the  document  properly  endorsed  beinp  made 
from  one  party  to  another,  without  the  necessity  for  its  lodgment 
at  he  dock  for  register  or  transfer,  the  warrant  bein^r  only  given 
to  the  company  when  delivery  of  the  goods  is  required. 

Ihe  certificate  of  transfer  is  merely  what  it  professes,  an  ac- 
knowledgment that  the  London  Dock  Company  recognize  the  party 
named  as  the  proprietor  of  goods  lodged  in  their  custody.  It  is 
not  capable  of  being  used  for  obtaining  any  advance  of  money. 

THOMAS  CHANDLER, 

rr    n  ^   ^  Superintendent, 

10  Charles  C.  Walden,  D.  P.  Barhydt, 

Commissioners, 


LONDON  DOCKS. 


Description  of  the  several  warehouses. 

Cubic  contents 

Tonnage. 

Crescent  warehouse. 

Has  two  floors  above  the  ground;  brick 
walls;  timber  floors  trussed  in  some 
places;  iron  column  supports  for  floors 
and  roof;  wood  and  iron  roof  slftted;  or- 
dinary cranes  for  housing  goods;  vaults 
underneath,  having  brick  and  stone  piers, 
and  brick  groins.    Extent  2\  acres  

847,352 

8,473: 

J\^orth  quay  warehouses.— {^os.  1,  2,  3^  4, 
and  5.) 

Pour  floors  above  the  ground,  divided  into 
four  compartments;  Avails  of  brick  and 
iron  doors;  floors  of  wood  and  wood  sup- 
ports; vaults  underneath,  having  brick 
and  stone  piers  and  brick  groins;  stair- 
cas-es  of  stone;  walking  wheels  and  com- 
mon cranes  used.  (These  particulars  will 
also  apply  to  the  back  sheds.)  

3,484,810 

34,545 

f 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

STATEMENT— Continued. 


201 


Description  of  the  several  warehouses. 


J{ew  tobacco  warehouse. 

One  story  above  ground^  brick  outside  and 
division  walls;  roof  of  timber  and  slate; 
ordinary  cranesused;  vaulted  underneath; 
brick  and  stone  piers,  and  brick  groins. 
Extent  3 J  acres  


West  Garden  sheds. 

One  floor  above  ground;  brick  walls  out- 
side; wood  and  brick  next  sugar  ware- 
house.   No  vaults  underneath  


Rum  and  oil  sheds. 

One  story  above  ground;  wall  at  back;  iron 
corrugated  next  dock;  brick  and  stone 
piers  and  groins.  Roofs  of  wood  and 
slate  , 


East  Quay  warehouses. 

One  story  above  ground,  (3^  acres  in  ex- 
tent;) wood  and  slate  roof;  brick  walls 
and  divisions,  with  iron  doors;  vaulted 
underneath;  brick  and  stone  piers  and 
groins  


Cubic  contents. 


JVew  sugar  warehouse. 

Three  floors  high  above  ground;  walls  of 
brick;  floors  of  wood,  supported  by  iron 
columns;  roof  of  wood  and  iron  and  slate; 
vaulted  underneath;  iron  columns  and 
girders,  and  brick  w'agon-head  arches.... 

Sugar  warehouses. 

Two  floors  above  ground;  wall  at  one  side; 
wood  partition  next  dock;  roof  of  timber, 
and  covered  with  copper;  vaults  under- 
neath; biick  and  sfeone  piers  and  brick 
groins;  walking  wheels  used  


2,139,085 


325,332 


1,365,210 


329,304 


3,337,112 


1,781,235 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

STATEMENT— Continued. 


Description  of  the  several  warehouses; 


Cubic  contents, 


Spirit  and  South  Quay  warehouses. 

Four  floors  above  ground;  brick  walls  and 
divisions,  also  iron  doors;  floors  of  wood, 
with  iron  columns;  roof  of  wood  and 
slate;  vaulted  underneath;  brick   groins  '2,167,247 


West  Quay  luarehouse  H, 

Two  floors  above  ground;  brick  walls  and 
wood  floors,  having  wood  supports;  part- 
ly vaulted  underneath;  iron  columns  and 
brick  arcftes  


West  Quay  warehouse  JS^o,  1. 

Two  stories  above  ground;  brick  walls; 
wood  and  slate  roof;  iron  columns;  vaults 
underneath;    iron    columns    and  brick 


arches;  staircase  of  stone, 


West  Quay  luarehouses  JVos.  2  and  3. 

,  Five  floors  above  ground;  brick  walls;  wood, 
iron,  and  slate  roof;  wood  floors,  trussed; 
iron  columns;  vaults  underneath,  having 
brick  arches  and  iron  supports  


Quay  side  sheds. 

One  story  above  ground;  wood  §ides,  and 
timber  and  slate  roof;  walking  wheels 
and  ordinary  cranes  used  for  housing 
goods  I  , 


Jetty  shed. 

One  story  high;  wood  sides;  timber  and 
iron  roof,  covered  partly  with  slate  and 
partly  with  zinc  


427,746 


178,429 


Tonnage. 


21,671 


4,277 


2,584,576 


2,484,359 


215,550 


1,782 


25,845 


24,84$ 


2,155 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


203 


An  account  of  books  kept  at  the  several  warehouses. 

Cargo  leger  contains  an  account  under  the  name  of  each  ship, 
of  all  goods  landedj  v.^hen  and  to  whom  delivered,  and  the  amount 
of  charges  paid  thereon. 

Register  order  book  contains  a  record  of  all  orders  received  for 
the  delivery,  &c.,  of  goods. 

Register  order  book  for  customs  orders  contains  a  record  of  all 
orders  received  from  the  customs  for  goods  on  v^hich  the  duty  has 
been  paid  or  otherwise  cleared. 

Register  order  book  for  extra  operations  contains  a  record  of  all 
orders  received  from  the  proprietors  of  the  goods  for  any  operatioa 
to  be  performed  thereon. 

Bill  book  contains  a  (!aily  account  of  all  bills  made  out  and  paid. 

Pass  book  contains  a  daily  record  of  all  passes  issued  for  goods 
delivered. 

[Kept  by  second  class  and  apprentice  clerks. J 

Foreman^  r£turn  contains  a  daily  account  of  book  (warehouse) 
goods  delivered,  and  (jther  work  performed. 
[Kept  by  warehouse  foreman.] 

For eman^s  return  book  contains  an  account  of  all  goods  delivered 
each  day,  the  operations  performed  thereon,  to  whom  delivered, 
jand  the  amount  of  charges  paid. 

Authority  book  contains  a  recortl  of  the  names  of  all  persons  au- 
thorized to  sign  by  procuration  or  otherwise. 

[Kept  by  second  dass  and  apprentice  clerks.] 

Landing  book.    A  separate  book  kept  for  each  vessel  and  every 
particular  of  the  goods  landed,  inserted  therein. 
[Made  out  hy  check  clerks.] 

Stowage  book  contains  an  account  under  the  name  of  each  vessel 
of  all  goods  housed,  and  when  delivered. 

Re-weighing  book  contains  an  account  of  the  separate  weights  of 
.goods  weighed  for  delivery  or  otherwise. 
[Kept  by  the  foremen  in  the  warehouses.] 

Admeasurement  book  contains  the  particulars  of  goods  measured 
for  freight,  &c. 

[Made  out  by  check  clerk.] 

Lotting  book  contains  the  particulars  of  goods  lotted  for  sale. 
[Made  up  by  colonial  samplers.] 

Shipping  book  for  exports,    A  separate  book  kept  for  each  vessel 
and  the  particulars  of  goods  received  inserted  therein. 
[Kept  by  clearing  foreman  ] 


204 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Foreman^s  shipping  hook.  A  record  of  all  goods  shipped  on 
board  vessels. 

[Kept  by  shipping  foreman.] 

Ledger  for  exports.    An  account  opened  under  the  name  of  each 
vessel,  and  the  amount  inserted  of  all  bills  made  out. 
[Kept  by  second  class  or  apprentice  clerks.] 

Maters  receipt  book  contains  the  particulars  of  goods  shipped 
daily  on  board  vessels,  for  which  the  signature  of  the  captain  or 
mate  ib  obtained. 

[Kept  by  shipping  foreman.] 

Surveying  officer'^ s  minute  hook  contains  the  particulars  of  surveys 
made  on  board  vessels. 

[Kept  by  surveying  officer.] 


Questions  addressed  to  the  St.  Katharine^s  Dock  Company,  with 

their  replies, 

1.  How  far  the  warehouses  are  separated  into  distinct  stores;  the 
character  of  the  walls  and  separation,  so  as  to  prevent  the  ex- 
tending of  a  fire  from  one  to  the  other;  the  location,  with  a  view 
to  air,  light,  and  ventilation,  &c.  • 

2.  How  far  marine  or  other  railways  are  used  for  placing  goods 
in  the  warehouses. 

3.  The  length  of  time  occupied  in  warehousing  cargoes  of  goods, 
as  well  as  in  shipping  them  from  the  warehouse,  together  with  the 
delay  on  this  account  and  detention  of  vessels. 

4.  What  portion  of  the  time  of  a  vessel  is  taken  up  in  de- 
positing and  receiving  goods  from  such  warehouses. 

5.  How  far  and  for  what  time,  at  w^hat  place,  and  under  what 
gu"ards  a  vessel  is  permitted  to  be  used  as  a  warehouse. 

6.  Packages  in  bad  order;  how  repaired,  repacked,  &c.,  and  how 
far  the  merchant  is  allowed  control  of  such  labor. 

7.  Whether  liquors,  grain  in  bags,  sugar,  &c.,  can  have  the  de- 
scription of  packages  altered;  and  liquors,  how  transported  to 
secure  the  article  from  adulteration;  if  cased,  and  by  whom. 

8.  The  penalties  to  guard  against  violation  of  warehouse  rules? 
Are  securities  required  from  storekeepers,  or  those  having  custody 
of  goods;  if  so,  amount  of  such  security,  &c. 

9.  The  guards  against  burglary,  theft,  &c.;  checks  on  store- 
keepers, so  as  truly  to  ascertain  the  disposition  of  goods  entrusted 
to  their  custody. 

10.  The  manner  of  keepiag  their  accounts;  how  often  examined 
to  test  their  correctness,  and  by  whom. 

11.  How  an  examination  is  made  of  the  goods  on  hand,  and  how 
f  ten. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


205 


12.  The  forms  of  their  accounts. 

13.  The  expenses  of  storage,  &c.;  how  paid,  and  to  whom. 

14.  The  system  used  to  secure  accountability  in  the  collecting 
agents. 

15.  What  fees  for  bonds,  certificates,  and  orders  for  receipt  and 
tielivery;  their  amount,  and  how  collected. 

16.  The  different  forms  for  the  receipt  and  delivery  of  merchan- 
dise, and  the  difference,  if  any,  when  for  consumption,  export,  or 
interior  transit. 

17.  What  returns,  statistical  or  otherwise,  and  statements  are 
made  up,  and  how  often. 

18.  How  far  the  warehouse  is  separated  into  distinct  stores. 

19.  The  description  of  goods  stored. 

20.  How  far  there  are  separate  ^^ore^  for  different  descriptions  of 
goods. 

21.  A  description  of  the  stored;  how  and  of  what  material  built; 
number  of  stories;  depth  and  extent  of  cellars;  how  far  fire-proof; 
to  what  extent  erected  on  arches  without  timber;  how  many  are 
immediately  upon  the  water;  how  many  we  distant,  and  how  far; 
the  conveniences  of  landing,  and  of  loading  and  unloading  to  and 
from  them. 

22.  The  depth  of  water  at  the  docks  or  basins;  the  nature  and 
position  of  the  hoisting  apparatus;  whether  by  steam  or  otherwise. 

23.  Whether  the  goods  are  insured,  and  how,  and  at  what  rates. 

24.  The  means  used  to  protect  the  goods  from  combustion,  and 
the  buildings  from  fire  and  accident. 

25.  How,  and  at  what  time,  fires  are  permitted,  or  lights  intro- 
duced, and  in  what  manner. 

26.  How  far,  an^  to  what  extent,  iron  has  been  introduced,  either 
for  roof,  rafters,  joists  or  otherwise,  ?.s  welj  as  the  material  for  floor- 
ing; the  expense  of  such  buildings. 

27.  The  insurance,  if  any,  on  such  warehouses,  and  on  the  goods 
stored  thereij. 

28.  How,  and  for  what  terms,  and  at  what  rate  of 'rent  the 
warehouses  are  leased. 

29.  How  far  they  are  public,  and  how  far  private  warehouses; 
if  of  both  descriptions. 

30.  How  far  the  merchants  are  permitted  to  have  the  custody  of 
their  own  goods,  ana  especially  of  dry  goods,  in  their  own  ware- 
houses. 

31.  How  far  the  government  has  the  supervision,  direction,  or 
control  of  such  warehouses  or  goods. 

32.  The  amount  of  goods  stored,  with  the  description  and  the 
quantity  and  character  of  each. 

33/  The  rate  of  stomge. 

34.  The  usual  and  average  period  of  storage;  how  far  the  charge 
is  diminished  for  a  longer  period. 

35.  The  length  of  time  goods  are  permitted  to  remain  in  ware- 
house without  payment  of  duties. 

36.  The  distinction  and  separation  in  location  or  otherwise,  of 
warehouses  designed  for  goods  entered  for  consumption,  or  for  re- 
exportation. 


206 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


37.  A  full  description  of  the  books  kept-  by  what  number  and 
character  of  clerks  and  other  officers. 

38.  How  the  labor  is  performed,  including  truckage,  drayage, 
loading  and  unloading,  shipment  and  exhibition  of  goods,  whether 
"by  sample  or  otherwise. 

39.  How,  8nd  to  what  extent,  merchants  using  the  warehouse, 
have  counting  houses  only;  and  in  what  manner  merchants  and 
their  clerks  are  admitted  into  the  warehouses,  and  how  far  they  are 
permitted  to  have  access  to  the  goods. 

40.  A  full  description  of  the  official  names  and  duties  of  all  per- 
sons transacting  the  public  business  in  such  w-arehouses,  and  the 
compensation  paid  each. 

41.  The  hours  within  which  the  warehouses  are  kept  open; 
their  connection  with  the  water  used  for  extinguishing  hres,  and 
"what  articles  are  considered  Gombustible  or  perishable,  and  ex- 
cluded from  the  warehouses,  and* how  or  where  the  combustible  or 
perishable  acticles.are  kept,  and  for  what  length  of  time. 

42.  The  actual  expense  of  warehousing  goods,  and  of  keeping 
them  in  warehouse;  di^jj^guishing  the  different  kinds  of  goods,  as 
dry  goods,  hardware,  groceries,  wines,  liquors,  &c.,  and  what  por- 
tion of  the  imports  are  not  warehoused  at  all,  either  in  public  or 
private  warehouses,  under  aiy  supervision  o/  the  government. 

43.  How  the  free  goods  are  warehouseil. 

44.  How  unclaimed  goods  are  warehoused. 

45.  The  disposition  made  of  unclaimed  goods. 

46.  The  disposition  of  goods  that  have  paid  the  duties,  after  the 
payment  has  been  made. 

# 

Answers  to  the  questions  propounded  hy  the  American  commis- 
sioners for  inquiry  into  the  warehousing  and  dock  system-  in  the 
port  of  London  J  August^  1847. 

1.  The  Warehouses  are  constructed  with  party  walls  separating 
the  floors  in  divisions,  and  with  iron  doors  and  stone  staircases. 
There  is  a  suitable  space  reserved  between  each  stack  of  ware- 
houses; the  light  and  ventilation  is  perfect;  the  windows  of  each  of 
the  warehouses  secured  by  shutters,  some  of  whick  wholly  of  iron, 
and  others  cased  with  iron.  It  will  be  observed,  from  the  plan  of 
the  docks,  that  the  site  is  very  limited,  not  exceeding  35  acres, 
and  that  the  construction  of  the  buildings,  wharves,  quays,  &c., 
has,  therefore,  been  formed  to  suit  the  contracted  space,  the  site 
"being  surrounded  by  two  great  public  thoroughfares,  which  pre- 
cluded an  extension  of  the  location.  .  * 

2.  No  railways  are  used  within  the  docks. 

3.  The  period  of  time  consum.ed  in  the  discharge  and  housing  of 
merchandii^e  depends  greatly  upon  circumstances.  If  great  de- 
spatch be  required,  the  celerity  \nih  which  a  cargo  can  be  landed 
^ind  housed  in  these  dc;cks  may  be  judged  of  by  the  following 
statement  of  a  few  instances,  embracing  varied  articles  of  mer chan- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


207 


disc.  Statement  of  the  time  expended  in  the  discharge  of  the  fol- 
lowing goods  by  the  St.  Katharine  Dock  Company — eight  hours'' 
work  J  including  half  an  hour  for  refreshment: 


Tallow,  casks,  

Flour,  barrels,  

Cotton,  E.  I.,  hales,  

Hides,  dried,  Euenos  Ayres,  

Sugar,  bags,  

Sugar,  Havana,  chests,  o..  . 

Sugar,  hogsheads,  

Hemp,  E.  I.,  press  packed  bales,.... 

Hemp  and  flax,  Baltic,  tons,  

Hemp  only,  tons,  

Flax  only,  tons,  

Oil,  in  casks  and  butts.  

Brandy,  puncheons  and  hogsheads,.. 
"Wine,  pipes,  hogsheads,  and  ^  casks. 

Indigo,  chests,  

Currants,  butts  and  caroteels,  

CcfFee-,  bags,,  


Ordinary  de- 
spatch. 


550 
2,000 
500 
2,500 
3,000 
500 
250 
500 
50 
45 
55 
100 
200 
250 
450 
150 
2,000 


4.  Part  of  this  q^stion  is  sa^^isfied  by  the  preceding  answer;  and 
as  respect*s  the  time  a  vessel  is  engaged  in  receiving  on  board,  her 
cargo  from  the  warehouses,  it  is  to  be  stated  that  the  goods  are 
delivered  into  the  vessel  as  fast  as  the  crew  can  stow  the  same 
away,  it  beiug^  the  practice  in  the  port  of  London  for  the  captain 
and  crew  to  receive  and  stow  away  the  cargo.  The  time  consumed 
in  such  case,  therefore^  is  influenced  by  the  activity  or  otherwise 
©f  the  captain  and  crew. 

5.  No  such  practice  exists  in  the  port  of  London,  but  the  time, 
the  vessel  is  detained  by  the  consignee  of  the  cargo,  and  during 
such  period  converted  into  a  floating  w-arehouse,  depends  upon  the 
conditions  of  the  charter  party,  or  bill  of  lading,  in  which  pro- 
Tision  is  generally  made  for  a  certain  number  of  laying  days,  and 
the  exercise  of  the  right  of  detention  occasionally  governed  by  the 
state  of  the  markets. 

6.  The  dock  company  perform  all  the  operations  required  upon 
the  merchandise;  the  expense  of  which  is  either  provided  for  in  the 
rates,  or  extra  charges,  accor^iing  to  circumstances,  are  made;  see 
the  tables  of  rates,  &c.,  of  which  copies  have  been  furnished.  The 
merchant  is  at  liberty  to  give  special  directions  as  to  the  nature  of 
such  operations;  and  in  the  absence  of  such  instructions,  the  dock 
company,  to  avoid  delay,  proceed  to  make  the  goods  merchantable. 


208 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


or  execute  such  other  operations  upon  the  same  according  to  the 
custom  of  the  port.  The  management  of  goods  is  confined  to  the 
manipulatiofls  performed  by  the  officers  and  servants  of  the  com- 
pany under  whose  superintendence  and  control  the  whole  is  exe- 
cuted; at  the  same  time  instructions  of  a  special  character  from  the 
owners  of  the  goods  would  be  obeyed,  and  charged  for  accord- 
ingly. 

7.  So  long  as  goods  are  in  bond,  no  alteration  of  the  packages 
can  be  made  without  the  sanction  of  the  customs;  the  operations 
required  would  be,  as  in  the  previous  cases  quoted,  performed  hj 
the  dock  company  in  their  capacity  of  warehouse  keepers. 

8.  See  the  provisions  of  the  warehousing  act  and  dock  act;  of 
which  copies  have  been  furnished. 

9.  The  guards  against  plunderage  depend  chiefly  upon  the  vigi- 
lance of  the  dock  officers,  servants,  and  the  internal  police  in  exe- 
cuting the  regulations  set  forth  in  the  code  of  instructions;  regard, 
being  had  to  the  security  of  the  property,  few  instances  of  abstrac- 
tions occur,  although  occasionally  the  extra  laborers  employed  are 
dettcred  in  pilfering  the  dock  company;  and  so,  indeed,  ail  bond- 
ing warehouse  keepers  are  responsible  to  the  crown  for  the  duties 
upon  goods  bonded  in  their  warehouses. 

Nos.  9  and  10.  The  customs  require  an  examination  of  the  ware- 
housing accounts  periodically,  generally  taken  once  in  three  years, 
and  is  usually  performed  by  the  officers  of  the  revenue  jointly  with 
those  of  the  company,  but  from  the  unquestionable  responsibility 
of  the  dock  companies,  who  are  incorporated  by  law  as  warehouse 
keepers,  the  examination  as  to  them  is  not  so*  rigid  as  it  is  with 
respect  to  private  warehouse  keepers. 

No.  11.  It  would  not  be  practicable  to  make  an  accurate  exami- 
nation of  the  stock  of  goods  in  warehouse,  without  a  total  suspen- 
sion of  business  during  the  time  of  so  doing,  seeing  that  housing 
and  deliveries  must  be  constantly  going  on.  Should,  however, 
reasonable  suspicion  of  malversation  at  any  time  arise,  the  particu- 
lar parcel  of  goods  suspected  to  have  been  frauduleiftly  dealt  witk 
would  be  required  to  be  unpiled,  inspected,  and  compared  w^ith. 
the  entries  and  documents.  A  private  examination  is  sometimes 
made  by  the  officers  of  the  dock  company  in  some  cases,  to  test  the 
accuracy  of  the  records  with  the  deposits. 

No.  12.  The  forms  of  accounts  generally  accompany  this  state- 
ment. 

No.  13.  The  expense  of  warehousing  is  reimbursed  the  dock 
company  in  the  rates  charged,  which  are  defrayed  by  the  owners 
of  the  goods,  or  of  the  ship,  as  the  case  may  be.  The  only  rates 
paid  to  the  dock  companies  by  the  crown  are  those  upon  tobacco, 
in  the  shape  of  rent  chargeable  ior  warehouse  room  upon  that  ar- 
ticle, the  revenue  being  compelled  by  law  to  provide  suitable  places 
of  deposite  for  the  same,  especially  on  account  of  the  very  high  du- 
ties payable  thereupon,  and  with  a  view  to  encourage  a  deposite  ia 
transit  by  relief  in  the  charges,  considerations  which,  during  the 
time  of  the  late  Mr.  Pitt,  led  to  this  arraHgemeat  as  an  expeiiment, 
but  has  been  continued  sincej  doubts  are,  however,  entertained, 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


2m 


•whether  this  particular  deviation  from  the  general  system  of  ware- 
Lousing  will  not,  ere  long,  undergo  alteration,  and  the  deposit  of 
tobacco  in  places  of  special  security,  such  as  the  docks  surrounded 
with  walls  are,  placed  on  a  uniform  footing  with  other  goods. 

No.  14.  The  system  adopted  by  the  dock  companies  of  requiring 
payment  of  charges  and  rates  prior  to  the  delivery  of  goods  from 
warehouse,  relieves  them  from  the  accountability  referred  to.  The 
principal  collectors,  not  exceeding  two  or  three  in  each  establish- 
ment, give  security,  and  their  receipts  and  payments  are  checked 
daily. 

No.  15.  None;  the  expense  included  in  the  rates. 
No.  16.  See  No.  12. 

No.  17.  The  statistical  returns  prepared  for  the  use  of  the  dock 
company  consist  chiefly  of  the  monthly  and  annual  accounts  of  the 
number  of  ships  and  tonnage  entered  and  departed,  and  of  goods 
housed  and  delivered;  the  financial  accounts  are  made  up  and  bal- 
anced quarterly,  and  annual  accounts  (in  the  month  of  January  in 
each  year)  presented  for  inspection  to  the  proprietors  of  the  docks, 

Nos.  18  to  20.  To  a  certain  extent  internal  arrangements  are 
made  for  classifying  goods,  and  as  far  as  practicable  consistently 
"with  the  interests  of  the  company  as  warehouse  keepers,  and  regard  . 
being  had  to  economy  of  room,  separate  floors  are  specially  assigned 
for  particular  goods;  the  stowage  is  regulated  also  according  to  the 
weight  and  bulk  of  the  article,  heavy  goods  being  stowed  in  the 
lowest  floors  to  diminish  the  expense  of  craneage.  The  descrip- 
tion of  goods  is  of  all  kinds;  pitch,  tar,  rosin,  turpentine,  and  other  , 
combustible  articles  of  great  hazard  excepted. 

No.  21.  The  warehouses,  vaults,  &c.,  are  constructed  of  brick, 
stone,  and  timber,  but  not  fire  proof,  the  vaults  excepted^  which.  2iTe 
all  brick  arched  and  without  timber.  The  plan  shows  the  distances 
from  the  dock  water's  edge.  The  convenience  of  landing,  housing, 
and  delivering  of  merchandise,  may  best  be  ascertained  by  personal 
examination  during  the  operations  and  inspection  of  the  machinery 
in  use. 

No.  22.  The  ship  regulations,  copy  of  which  has  been  furnished, 
show  the  depth  of  water  at  the  dock  entrance,  lock,  «&c.,  &c. 

No.  23.  The  merchants  insure  their  goods  against  the  risk  of  fire. 
The  premium  paid  upon  the  warehouses  and  merchandise  deposit- 
ed in  the  walled  docks  in  London  is  23.  6d.  per  .£100  per  annum; 
private  wharfs  and  warehouses  as  high  as  7s.  6d. 

Nos.  24  and  25.  See  regulations  iully  explained  in  the  code  of 
instructions  and  ship  regulations. 

No.  26.  See  answer  No.  21. 

No.  27.  See  answer  No.  23. 

Nos.  28  and  29.  The  dock  warehouses  and  buildings  are  the  pro- 
perty of  the  company,  and  although  private  property,  are  consti- 
tuted by  law  public  places  of  deposite;  none  are  let  for  other  occu- 
pation. 

Nos.  30  and  31.  The  custody  of  all  goods  deposited  in  the  dock 
warehouses  is  vested  in  the  company;  the  government  have  no  su- 
pervision except  in  so  far  as  respects  fiscal  rcgulatioas,  established 
14 


210 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


with  the  view  of  securing  the  payment  of  duties  on  goods  liable 
thereto. 

No.  32.  The  quantity  of  goods  lodged  in  the  warehouses  of  the 
dock  company, which  include  their  up  town  warehouses,  (in  Cutler 
street,  Bishopsgate  street,  and  Houndsditch,)  which  latter  are 
chiefly  appropriated  to  the  deposit  of  tea,  China  and  India  pro- 
duce, amounts  at  present  to  75,000  tons;  the  description  and  char- 
acter are  almost  of  every  kind. 

No.  33.  See  tables  of  rates. 

No.  34.  The  rate  of  charge  is  not  influenced  by  the  length  of 
time  of  deposite;  the  period  of  deposite  is  so  various,  being  governed 
by  the  state  of  markets  and  other  circumstances,  that  no  accurate 
returns  can  be  made  to  satisfy  this  question  in  detail. 

No.  35.  See  warehousing  act,  8  and  9  Vic,  cap.  91.  It  is  not 
the  practice  for  the  government  to  compel  the  merchant  to  export 
or  pay  duties  on  goods  deposited  in  bond,  although  they  have  the 
power  to  limit  the  time  within  a  given  period;  the  necessary  en- 
couragement to  the  warehousing  system  would  be  affected  by  such 
a  restrictive  regulation. 

No.  36.  None  in  practice  in  the  dock  warehouses. 

No.  37.  See  answer  to  No.  12. 

No.  38.  The  nature  and  description  of  internal  management  of 
goods  is  so  various,  that  a  knowledge  thereof  beyond  what  may  be 
obtained  from  a  perusal  of  the  code  of  instructions,  can  only  be 
acquired  by  personal  inspection  and  experience.  Many  goods  are 
sold  by  sample,  but  followed  generally  by  comparing  the  bulk  with 
the  same. 

No.  39.  No  counting-houses  or  oflSces  are  occupied  by  merchants 
within  the  docks  for  the  purposes  of  carrying  on  their  business;  they 
are  all  provided  with  such  offices  in  various  parts  of  the  city  and 
port.  Owners  of  goods  are  allowed  to  have  access  to  them  in  the 
presence  of  the  othcers  and  servants  of  the  company. 

No.  40.  In  so  far  as  this  information  can  be  given,  it  will  be 
.found  in  the  printed  list  of  the  establishment  accompanying  the 
printed  forms.    (See  No.  12,  question.) 

No.  41.  See  the  code  of  regulations  and  instructions. 

No.  42.  Goods  which  d^xQ  free  from  duty  are  not  usually  deposit- 
ed in  the  dock  warehouses,  but  in  various  private  warehouses,  and 
at  wharfs,  where  the  rent  and  charges  from  the  generally  inferior 
description  of  accommodation  are  less,  and  if  duty  free  are  not 
subject  to  the  fiscal  regulations.  The  proportion  of  merchandise 
so  deposited  cannot  be  stated,  nor  could  the  detailed  particulars, 
further  required  by  this  question,  being  of  so  multifarious  a  charac- 
ter, be  furnished  without  great  clerical  labor;  whilst  it  is  to  be 
observed  that  the  result  must  in  a  great  degree  depend  upon  the 
cost  and  maintenance  of  the  description  of  buildings  where  deposit- 
ed, and  expense  of  the  establishment. 

No.  43.  Free  goods,  foreign,  are  not  warehoused,  but  merely 
entered  at  the  time  of  landing  at  the  custom-house,  and  placed  in 
any  warehouse,  although  not  licensed  for  bonding. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


211 


No.  44.  Unclaimed  goods  are  entered  within  a  given  time  by  the 
dock  companies  under  the  authority  of  their  acts.    (See  the  acts.) 

No.  45.  Such  goods,  after  a  reasonable  time  remaining  un- 
claimed, are  sold  by  the  dock  companies  under  the  provisions  of 
the  said  acts. 

No.  46.  After  the  duties  upon  bonded  goods  have  been  paid, 
Ihey  are  not  required  to  be  removed  from  the  place  of  depo.  ite  un- 
til required  for  shipment  or  delivery  for  home  use. 

io  T^  J-  HALL. 

St.  Katharine  Dock,  2bth  Mgust,  1847. 

To  Charles  C.  Walden,  ?  •    .  • 

D.  P.  Barhydt,         (  Commissioners, 


K, 

LIVERPOOL  AND  BIRKENHEAD  DOCKS.-RKGULATIONS. 

No  person  whatever  can  be  allowed  to  remain  in  this  dock  after 
the  established  hours  of  business,  exeept  as  hereinafter  mentioned- 
nor  ean  any  person  be  permitted  to  have  access  to  vessels  therein' 
without  a  pass,  excepting  the  owner,  master,  or  chief  officer  ' 

Passes  will  be  given  on  the  application  of  the  captain  or  chief 
mate,  in  the  superintendent's  office,  to  admit  the  ship's  apprentices 
or  other  persons,  to  prepare  the  ship  for  discharging,  or  to  do  any 
otler  work  on  board  which  may  be  unavoidably  necessary. 

The  captains,  officers,  and  crews  of  ships  are  requested  not  to 
gne  either  wme,  spirits,  grog,  or  any  other  liquor  to  the  dock 
servants,  as  by  so  doing  they  expose  them  to  the  certain  and  im- 
mediate forfeiture  of  their  situations. 

.Vo  fee,  perquisite,  or  reward,  of  any  kind  or  denomination  what- 
sotyer,  is  to  be  taken  by  the  dock  officers,  or  any  persons  who 
shill  be  employed  in  the  service  of  the  trustees,  for  any  act  done 
within  the  dock  walls.  Persons  giving,  offering,  or  receivino-  such 
fee,  perquisite,  or  reward,  are  thereby  rendered  liable  to  a  penalty 
of  twenty  pounds  for  each  offence. 

Ships  will  not  be  allowed  to  retain  their  crews  on  board  after 
the  hour  of  business. 

Preparatory  to  ships  being  discharged  by  the  trustees,  the  decks 
must  be  cleared  of  articles  which  would  impede  the  working  out 
of  the  cargo.  s 

Every  master  of  a  ship  is  required  to  deliver  at  the  superinten- 
dent's office,  and  also  at  the  dock  office,  revenue- buildino-s,  within 
twenty-four  hours  after  the  arrival  of  the  vessel  in  the  do'^ck,  or  re- 
porting  at  the  custom-house,  a  true  copy  of  the  manifest  or  report 
of  the  cargo,  signed  by  himself.  Blank  forms  of  manifest  may  be 
obtained  on  application  at  the  superintendent's  office 

No  ships  can  receive  their  rotations,  or  be  allowed  to  break  bulk, 
until  their  cargoes  are  duly  entered^  and  such  cargoes  will  be  landed 


212 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


in  due  succession,  according  to  the  strict  order  in  which  the  mani- 
fests are  delivered  and  entries  completed. 

The  master,  mate,  or  some  person  duly  authorized  by  the  owner, 
is  to  remain  on  board  the  vessel  during  the  unloading. 

It  is  desirable  that  all  baggage  or  presents  should  be  sent  as 
promptly  as  possible  to  the  baggage  floor,  where  an  authority  from 
the  master  for  the  delivery  thereof  must  be  lodged. 

Bullion,  specie,  jewels  or  packages  of  extra  value  (whether 
cargo  or  private  property)  must  be  delivered  by  the  captain,  under 
his  own  responsibility,  unless  he  is  desirous  of  placing  the  same  in 
the  charge  of  the  trustees;  in  which  case,  such  property  must  be 
particularly  specified. 

No  person  shall  be  allowed  to  be  employed  in  the  unloading  or 
loading  of  vessels  within  the  dock,  except  the  crews  thereof,  and 
the  servants  of  the  trustees;  or  in  any  other  work  and  labor  to  be 
performed  within  the  dock  premises,  (stowers  on  board  of  ships 
loading  outwards  excepted,)  without  permission,  in  writing,  from 
the  superintendent. 

Laborers  may  be  hired  of  the  trustees,  to  work  under  the  direc- 
tion and  responsibility  of  the  master  of  the  ship.  In  cases  where 
the  number  of  men  employed  is  not  sufficient  for  the  timely  dis- 
charge of  the  cargo,  additional  hands  will  be  provided  by  the  trus- 
tees at  the  expense  of  the  vessel. 

Ship's  provisions  and  stores  cannot  be  permitted  to  pass  the  gates, 
■without  an  order  signed  either  by  the  '^captain  or  owner.'' 

No  fire  nor  light  can  be  allowed  on  board  any  vessels  within  the 
dock  walls. 

The  hours  of  attendance  are,  from  1st  March  to  30th  September, 
toth  inclusive,  from  8  a.  m.  to  6  p.  m.;  from  1st  October  to  last 
day  of  February,  both  inclusive,  from  8|  a.  m.  to  4  p.  m.,  and  there 
is  to  be  no  intermission  of  business  daring  these  hours. 

The  trustees  will  not  be  responsible  for  any  loss  or  injury  sus- 
tained whilst  goods  are  on  board  a  vessel  or  craft,  or  in  the  break- 
ing out,  or  slinging  of  the  same  on  board,  unless  the  whole  of  the 
•work  performed  shall  be  executed  by  their  servants. 

Goods  landed  in  the  Albert  dock,  and  lodged  in  the  custody  ol 
the  trustees,  may  be  detained  for  freight,  if  stopped  prior  to  trans- 
fer, or  to  the  issue  of  dock  warrants.  Notice  to  stop  such  goods 
until  the  freight  has  been  paid  or  deposite  made,  must  be  lodged  at 
the  manifest  department,  general  office,  Albert  dock. 

No  stop  for  freight  can  be  received  after  an  order  for  transfer  of 
the  goods  has  been  lodged,  or  a  warrant  issued  for  them. 

Abstracts  of  cargoes,  for  the  purpose  of  making  up  freight  ac- 
counts, are  supplied  on  application  at  the  manifest  office,  at  the 
following  charges,  viz: 

If  the  goods  have  10  marks  or  under-... 25  Qd 
"  11  to  20  marks. 3  6 

^'  21  and  upwardsO  2  each  mark 

or  parcel,  but  the  total  not 
to  exceed  10*  6d  including 
^  an  abstract  of  certificates  of 

damage. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


213 


Information  as  to  a  vessels  lying  in  the  dock  may  be  obtained  by 
reference  to  the  "ship  book,''  which  is  exhibited  in  the .  lobby  of 
the  superintendent's  office  during  the  hours  of  business. 

Conditions  to  be  observed  by  ships  taking  in  cargoes  from  the  ware- 
houses, 

1.  The  taking  of  the  ship  in  and  out  of  dock,  or  to  and  from  the 
quay,  to  be  performed  by  the  master  and  crew,  as  directed  J)y  the 
dock  master. 

2.  The  goods  to  be  taken  from  the  slings,  and  to  be  stowed  away 
by  the  crew,  under  the  orders  of  the  master. 

3.  If  a  sufficient  crew  be  not  on  board  to  receive  and  stow  away 
the  goods  as  delivered,  or  to  transport  the  vessel,  a  further  number 
of  men  shall  be  provided  by  the  trustees,  at  the  charge  of  the  ves- 
sel, to  work  under  the  direction  and  responsibility  of  the  master 
and  his  officers. 

4.  To  prevent  delay  in  loading  export  vessels,  the  shippers  should 
pay  up  the  rent  and  charges  upon  the  goods;  or  where  the  amount 
cannot  be  ascertained  without  weighing,  &c.,  make  a  deposite  to 
cover  the  same. 

Regulations^  ifc,  regarding  merchandise. 

[The  duties  for  home  consumption  upon  the  following  articles,  ^ 
bonded  in  the  Albert  dock  warhouses,  will  be  chargeable  on  the 
delivery  weight  only,  viz:  sugar,  currants,  figs,  raisins,  hams,  and 
cheese.  Wines,  on  the  delivery  gauge.  Spirits,  on  the  delivery 
gauge  and  strengths.  And  no  duties  will  be  charged  on  deficiencies 
of  goods  exported  from  the  bonding  warehouses,  vaults,  &c.] 

No  ship  is  allowed  to  break  bulk  until  her  cargo  is  duly  entered; 
it  is  therefore  important  that  consignees  should  give  directions  for 
the  entry  of  their  respective  consignments  as  soon  as  the  ship  is. 
reported. 

The  trustees  will  proceed  to  pass  warehousing  entries  for  suck 
goods  as  the  owners  or  consignees  may  have  neglected  to  enter 
within  forty-eight  hours,  in  cases  where  the  discharge  of  the  cargo 
of  a  vessel  is  impeded  or  obstructed  by  such  neglect;  the  period 
to  be  computed  from  the  date  of  the  report. — 4  Vic.  cap.  30,  sec, 
75. 

Goods  remaining  unentered  after  the  expiration  of  three  days' 
from  the  date  of  the  ship's  report,  will  be  forthwith  landed  and 
housed. — 4  Vic.  cap.  30,  sec.  77. 

Bills  of  lading,  or  other  satisfactory  proof  of  ownership,  must 
be  produced  in  all  cases,  before  goods  can  be  delivered  to  any 
party  claiming  the  same. 

Particular  attention  is  necessary  to  the  regularity  of  the  endorse- 
ments of  bills  of  lading,  as  the  dock  officers  cannot  pass  any  bill 
on  which  the  authority  from  the  shipper  to  the  holder  is  not  de- 
duced by  an  accurate  chain  of  endorsement. 

In  all  cases  of  informality  in  bills  of  lading,  from  want  of  en- 


214 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


^orsement,  &c.,  or  of  their  being  lost,  application  must  be  made  by 
.letter,  through  the  secretary  to  the  dock  committee,  stating  the 
circumstances,  and  enclosing  any  documents  which  will  show  the 
title  to  the  goods;  in  every  such  case  the  applicant  must  engage  to 
indemnify  the  trustees, by  bond  or  otherwise,  as  the  committee  may 
direct. 

\¥hen  bills  of  lading  are  produced,  which  are  at  variance  with 
the  manifest  as  to  the  original  consignee,  the  trustees  will  not  pass 
any  delivery  order  founded  thereon,  until  three  clear  days  shall 
have  elapsed,  unless  explained  to  their  satisfaction. 

Orders  for  transfer  or  delivery,  (the  forms  for  which 'may  be  ob- 
'  tained  at  the  general  office,)  cannot  be  accepted  until  the  goods 
have  been  landed,  unless  the  goods  are  to  be  delivered  from  the 
Janding  scale. 

Parties  holding  orders  for  the  delivery  of  goods  from  the  landing 
scale,  and  requiring  such  goods  to  be  housed,  must  lodge  the  or- 
ders forthwith  in  the  general  office,  with  the  necessary  instructions 
endorsed  thereon,  and  warrants  will  be  granted  accordingly. 

Muscovado  sugar,  goods  imported  in  bulk,  and  such  other  arti- 
cles as  are  required  to  be  re-weighed  on  delivery,  are  deliverable 
hy  cheques  or  sub-orders,  but  with  these  exceptions  warrants  will 
"be  issued,  upon  application,  for  all  merchandise  warehoused  under 
the  care  of  the  trustees. 

Warrants  may  be  taken  up  by  the  proprietor  for  the  whole  quan- 
tity of  a  bulk  as  imported;  or  for  any  allotment  of  such  bulk,  on 
payment  of  the  expense  of  separating  it  into  distinct  and  corres- 
ponding parcels. 

Warrants  for  goods  which  are  usually  sold  without  lotting,  will^ 
"be  made  out  for  such  quantities  as  may  be  found  generally  conve- 
nient to  the  importers. 

For  goods  which  are  lotted,  made  merchantable,  &c.,  the  war* 
jants  will  be  made  out  as  soon  as  the  operations  are  performed. 
W^hen  directions  from  the  importer  are  required,  notice  will  be 
given  on  the  landing  accounts,  or  otherwise. 

The  first  warrants  or  cheques  will  be  issued  to  the  order  of  the 
importers,  or  their  assigns,  (provided  there  be  no  stop  upon  the 
goods  for  freight  or  otherwise,)  upon  payment  of  the  landing* 
charges. 

Such  payments  must  include  all  charges  incurred  to  the  time  of 
passing  the  order,  or  issuing  the  warrants  or  cheques,  excepting 
rent;  charges  accruing  subseqently,  and  the  rent  must  be  paid  by 
the  holders  of  the  warrants  before  delivery  of  the  goods.  The 
proprietors  of  goods  may,  however,  clear  the  rent  and  incidental 
charges  to  any  desired  date,  and  have  new  warrants  or  cheques 
accordingly. 

Weight  7iofeSj  corresponding  to  the  warrants,  will  be  furnished, 
"when  required,  at  the  charge  of  two  pence  each. 

When  the  assignment  or  removal  of  part  of  the  goods  only  is 
intended,  the  warrants  or  cheques  should  be  divided  at  the  warrant 
department,  as  hereafter  provided.    If  the  quantity  to  be  assigned 
,jnust  be  weighed  or  measured,  to  separate  it  from  the  bulk,  the 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


215 


division  cannot  be  made  until  the  whole  quantity  has  been  re- 
weighed  or  remeasured.  If  the  delivery  of  the  whole  of  the  con- 
tents is  directed,  and  the  goods  are  not  finally  removed  within  two 
daysj  a  new  warrant  or  cheque,  for  the  remainder  of  the  parcel, 
must  be  taken  out. 

When  the  holders  of  warrants  or  cheques  are  desirous  of  assign- 
ing part  of  their  contents,  without  delivery,  re-weighing,  re-hous- 
ing, &c.,  new  documents  will  be  given  in  exchange  on  lodging  the 
originals,  duly  endorsed.  The  endorsements  should  specially  direct 
the  manner  in  which  the  contents  are  to  be  divided,  and  state  the 
names  of  the  parties  in  whose  favur  the  new  warrants  or  cheques 
are  to  be  issued,  in  the  following  form: 

Please  to  divide  the  within^^^  or  when  part  is  to  be  delivered, 
"  Deliver  to  bearer,^^  (state  how  many  packages,)  "  and  grant  new 

 one  for  —  (packages)  in  favor  of   ;  one  for^'' 

&c.,  &c. 

Warrants  may  be  exchanged  or  divided,  without  assigning  the 
goo'Js,  when  desired  by  the  holder,  at  the  same  rate  of  charge. 

The  original  warrant  is  not  charged  for,  but  the  charges  for 
dividing  or  issuing  new  documents  or  transferring^  are — 

For  each  warrant  or  transfer, 

1  c    4  packages  or  quantities    \d, 

5  —  10.... do  do   2 

11  — 15. ...do  do   3 

16—20  do  do   4 

21  —  25  do  do   5 

26  — 30.... do  do  ,   6 

31  —  35  ....  do  do   7 

36— 40. ...do  do   8 

41— 45. ...do  do   9 

46  and  upwards  do  10 

Goods  in  bulk,  per  ton   1 

For  every  new  cheque  granted   2 

If,  from  the  nature  of  the  contract  between  the  seller  and  buyer, 
re-weighing,  &c.,  may  be  necessary,  new  warrants  will  be  issued, 
containing  the  landing  and  re-weights,  as  soon  as  the  operations 
are  completed,  and  the  original  warrants  deposited,  with  the  neces- 
sary directions  endorsed  thereon. 

When  any  alterations,  such  as  re-packing,  &c.,  are  to  be  made, 
(except  w\hen  preparatory  to  immediate  delivery,)  the  warrants 
must  be  lodged;  and  others,  representing  the  goods  correctly, 
issued  in  the  same  manner. 

In  the  case  of  casks  of  liquids  used  to  fill  up  others,  the  warrant 
must  be  lodged,  and  the  proprietor  may  either  have  a  new  warrant 
,  for  the  remainder,  or  it  may  be  delivered  (if  not  required  to  be 
used  again  in  the  same  way)  to  his  order. 

The  warrants  must  likewise  be  lodged  on  giving  orders  to  vat; 
but  if  immediate  shipment  be  not  intended,  new  warrants  will  be 
issued  as  soon  as  the  casks  are  re-filled. 


516 


Ex.  Doc.  No;  57. 


In  the  four  last-mentioned  cases,  the  charges  for  performing  the 
operations  include  the  expense  of  ne\^warrants. 

When  warrants  or  cheques  are  losr  or  mislaid,  the  trustees  will 
require  that  they  should  be  advertised  in  two  Liverpool  papers,  a 
copy  of  each  of  which,  containing  the  advertisement,  and  an  en- 
gagement to  indemnify  the  trustees  by  bond  or  otherwise,  to  be  en- 
closed with  the  application  for  duplicates.  The  new  documents 
not  to  be  issued  (unless  the  original  shall  be  found  and  delivered 
up)  until  seven  clear  days  shall  have  elapsed  from  the  date  of  no- 
tice by  advertisement.  Upon  notice  of  the  loss,  the  goods  will  be 
slopped,  and  the  original  document  can  on  no  account  be  acted 
upon,  unless  first  presented  at  the  secretary's  office. 

Should  any  interlineation,  erasure,  or  alteration  have  been  made 
in  an  order,  it  can  only  be  accepted  with  the  name  or  initials  of 
the  party  set  against  such  alteration. 

Proprietors  of  goods  desirous  of  authorizing  their  clerks  to  sign 
orders  on  their  behalf,  must  lodge  an  instruction,  in  writing,  to  that 
effect,  with  the  principal  of  tne  general  office,  of  whom  printed 
forms  for  that  purpose  may  be  obtained. 

Brokers  possessing  general  authorities,  in  writing,  from  mer- 
chants, to  inspect  or  draw  samples  from  their  goods,  must  register 
the  same  with  the  principal  of  the  general  office. 

Goods  which  require  to  be  made  merchantable  for  the  purposes 
of  sale,  or  from  which  samples  can  only  be  taken  after  the  contents 
of  the  packages  shall  have  been  turned  out,  will  await  the  specific 
directions  of  the  owners. 

Brimstone,  cubic  nitre,  guano,  oakum,  pitch,  rags,  rosin,  salt- 
petre, tar,  turpentine,  and  any  other  articles  which  may  be  deemed 
objectionable  by  the  trustees,  will  not  be  permitted  to  be  housed 
in  the  warehouses: — 4  Vic.  cap,  30,  sec.  95. 


Deposite  accounts. 

To  facilitate  the  passing  of  orders,  and  the  payment  -^i  charges 
due  upon  goods,  the  trustees  will  open  deposite  accounts^  upon  re- 
quest from  merchants,  with  such  deposites  as  they  think  proper; 
when  the  balance  is  reduced  below  ten  pounds,  a  further  deposite 
must  be  made.  Ten  pounds  is  the  smallest  sum  which  can  be  re- 
ceived at  a  time  as  a  deposite. 

Parties  having  deposite  accounts  with  the  trustees,  must  transmit 
a  note  of  advice  on  the  proper  form  with  each  deposite,  and  it  will 
be  necessary  that  they'  should  invariably  state  on  their  orders  or 
warrants,  by  whom  the  charges  are  to  be  paid,  thus: 

Charges  to  the  [Ja^eJ  to  our  account." 

or   {Signature,^ 

Charges  to  be  paid  by  the  holder.'' 

 {^Signature.) 


By  opening  such  accounts  the  business  of  merchants,  particularly 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


217 


"where  goorls  are  upon  rent,  will  be  much  facilitated.    The  proper 
forms  and  pass-books  may  be  obtained,  on  application  at  the  gene- 
iflral  office. 

"   

I  .  Orders  for  extra  work. 

The  chargej  for  re-packing,  preparing  for  exportation,  making 
.merchantable,  and  all  work  which  can  only  be  performed  by  the 
.;specific  directions  of  the  proprietors  of  the  goods,  or  parties  duly 
authorized  by  them,  will  be  fixed  from  time  to  time,  with  reference 
to  the  cost  of  labor  and  materials.    The  charges  under  this  head 
must  be  paid  by  the  parties  giving  the  order  or  clearing  the  goods. 


The  trustees  are  not  liable  for  deficiences  arising  from  natural 
causes,  nor  for  any  losses  or  deficierfces  whatever,  unless  ascer- 
,  tained  previously  to  the  goods  being  removed  from  the  dock 
,^  premises. 

I     With  respect  to  goods  subject  to  allowances  for  tares  by  the 

customs,  with  a  view  to  prevent  delay,  importers  may  lodge  a 
'  general  order  with  the  trustees  authorizing  them  to  act  on  their  be- 
j  half;  but  when  this  is  not  done,  the  merchant's  clerk  ought  to  make 

an  immediate  appointment  with  the  landing  surveyor  of  the  cus- 
^  toms  to  settle  the  tares,  as  the  landing  accounts  cannot  be  fur- 
^  nished  until  they  are  adjusted. 

Duplicate  accounts  of  weights,  &c.,  of  goods,  are  furnished  on 

certain  conditions,  on  reasonable  cause  for  requiring  them  being 

assigned. 

Goods  deposited  in  the  Albert  dock  warehouses  will  be  held  by 
the  trustees  as  general  liens,  in  respect  of  all  rent,  charges,  &c., 
■  that  shall  have  been  incurred  thereon. — 4  Vic,  cap.  30,  sec.  87. 

Goods  brought  by  land  carriage  or  inland  navigation. 

Parties  in  charge  thereof  must  apply  at  the  superintendent's 
office,  w^here  instructions  will  be  given  as  to  the  place  of  deposite, 
^  After  being  housed,  the  goods  will  be  subject  to  the  general  regu- 
lations. • 

At  Birkenhead  18  store-houses  are  erected  in  3  rows  of  6  stores 
J  each,  140  feet  long  by  47  feet  wiSe,  2  stories  high — 1st,  20  feet,  2d, 
j  10  feet  high.    Walls  all  of  brick  and  2  feet  thick  to  rafters.  Lower 
floor  of  stone  9  inches  thick,  a  thin  bed  of  sand  and  brick  laid  over 
all. 

Two  drains  underneath  each  store  from  front  to  rear;  upper  floor 
,^  of  wood.    Rooi  woo.d  rafters  and  slated.    Iron  pillars,  9  inches 
diameter,  and  2  rows  from  front  to  rear,  support  2d  floor. 

Doors  all  of  iron,  |  inches  thick.    In  first  story,  2  at  each  end, 


218  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

II  ^"ift'l      '»"^/o»>\ windows  4  feet  by  2.9.    In  second  story,  2 
doors  10  by  6  feet,  and  two  windows  in  each  end.  ^' 
Window  shutters  of  iron. 

Stairs  and  railings  all  of  iron  to  2d  story.  ,j 

At  one  end  of  each  store  is  an  iron  pipe  4  inches  in  diamete'r,  to  ai 
which  hose  IS  attached  on  each  floor  for  extinguishing  fire 

Ji-ach  row  of  6  buildings  has  a  communication  by  double  iron 
doors  through  the  middle  of  each  partition  wall  on  each  story. 

At  eacn  end  of  each  store  are  two  cranes  fixed  in  the  loft  for 
hoisting.  Crank  for  hand,  with  cog-wheels  and  two  wooden  rollers, 
double  and  single  purchase,  lower  iron  cog-wheel  3  feet  diameterl 
upper  5  inches.  ^ 


L. 


Questions  addressed  to  the  Custom-house,  .London,  with  the  replies 
and  forms  referred  to. 

coLmnnl^n  ^"'i  '"'"'"g  '^"chandise  at  the  custom-house  for 
consumption,  warehouse,  reexportation  and  interior  transit  by  land 
or  water.— (See  forms  of  entires,  Nos.  1  to  8. 

The  different  forms  for  transporting  inland,  or  for  reexportinff. 

ddive'r  '7sT/  '"'''f 'T''  '°  rece'ire  an^d^ 

oemer.— (bee  forms  of  entries,  No.  1  and  8  ) 

How  far  bends  are  required  for  goods  in  warehouse.-(On  ware- 
Vic.7ch.^91      ""'"'^""'^  ^'"P^''  S»'es  bond.    See  8  sec,  8  and  9 

For  transhipment,  if  for  exportation.— (Bond  No.  1.1 

Whether  duties  are  exacted  if  the  goods  should  be  consumed  by  | 

h^l"^     '     ■  P'"°"''^  ^""^        casej  but  the  government 

have  m  many  instances  given  relief.) 

prnlfn'j'?"'*  destroyed  while  in  warehouse,  or  in  custody  of  gov- 
ernment to  or  from  thence.-(See  17  and  18  sec,  8  and  9  Vic.,, 

thf x>liZVZ'r^  P"";'  f  ^^^housing,  the  difference  in 

nation     /F^        P  ^^'^      ^Sain  shipped,  is  there  any  y^- 

in    ;~7>      f  f  1  '°  8  apply  to  these  cases.) 

fJ™   fi  ?  ^"'^  ^^"^^  ""'^  ot^"  PaP^'-s  issued  officially 

stamp  5  '.)'"  "°  f*^*^'  ^-^o""*  °f  bond 

^KpVo^'ju'j'"  *''«,'^"ty  is  assessed  at  the  first  port,  or  at  the  place 

7or  rnn  *=°"'""P^'°"— P'^«  °f  withdrawal 

lor  consumption.) 

chant's^rVk^°'^  '''^  ^''''^^  "^""""^  transit.— (At  the  mer- 
w^^i'.  ^  deductions,  if  any,  are  made  for  leakage,  breakage,  or 
ch  91  )        relief,  under  the  provisions  of  28th  sec.  8  and  9  Vic. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


219 


Whether  any  on  the  voyage  of  importation,  and  under  what  re- 
strictions, leakage,  breakage,  or  loss  by  weight,  is  made  a  part  of 
sea  damage  caused  by  stress  of  weather  or  stranding. — (No  deduc- 
tion is  made  in  this  case  beyond  what  is  allowed  by  the  30th  sec. 
and  52d  sec,  8  and  9  Vic,  ch.  86.  See  also  31st  and  32d  sections 
of  the  same  act.) 

Forms  of  entries^  §*c. 

1.  For  consumption  from  the  vessel. 

2.  Ditto  from  the  warehouse. 

3.  Warehousing  from  the  vessel. 

4.  Withdrawal  from  the  warehouse  for  shipment  to  a  second 
place,     bond  note  instead  of  entry." 

5.  Warehousing  from  another  port. 

6.  Export  from  bond. 

7.  Bill  of  sight  and  return  thereon,  part  for  consumption  and 
part  to  be  warehoused. 

8.  Bill  of  sight  and  return  thereon,  all  for  consumption. 

9.  Memorandum  of  the  mode  of  passing  entries. 

10.  Copy  of  ship's  report. 


[Form  No.  1.] 

Form  of  entry  for  consumption  from  the  vessel, 

^^Galley  quay,"  Soho,  Cullen,  from  Atwerp,  British  ship 

JY:  Hammaud.  ^^Prime.^^ 

C  A  H  y'^.  Twelve  cases  containing  ten  hundred  weight  white 
window  glass,  not  exceeding  one-ninth  of  an  inch  in  thickness. 
Duty  £^  10s, 

August  17,  1847. 


No.  2. 

Form  of  entry  for  consumption  from  the  warehouse. 

London  docks.        North  Carolina,  Drummond,  from  New 

Orleans,  American  ship  Grant  &  Hodgson,  ''home  con- 

sumption." 

C  26.  One  hogshead  containing  one  thousand  two  hundred  fifty- 
nine  pounds  leaf  tobacco  unmanufactured,  the  growth  of  the  United 
States,  warehoused  by  J.  Gilbert  31st,  October,  1846.  Duty 
X198  7^.  lOd. 

August  17,  1847. 


220  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

No.  3. 

Form  of  entry  for  warehousing  from  vessel, 
August  17,  1847. 


No.  4. 

Form  of  entry  for  withdrawal  from  the  warehouse  for  shipment  t» 
a  second  place  in  bond. 

No  entry  is  required  in  this  case. 

.rjTt  '%^^''*r  °f  'he  goods  to  the  second  place 

and  a  bond  note  .s  issued,  in  the  annexed  form,  which  is  sen^  to 
the  warehousinc;  department  where  the  goods  are  deposited 

Upon  receipt  of  this,  after  due  examination  of  the  goods  the 
warehouse  keeper  transmits  an  account  of  the  same  to  tlie  toper 
officers  at  the  port  of  destination,  in  the  form  of  despatching 

Vitt'.,'ch"9r''  *°  P"""*''  8  and  9 

[To  accorripany  form  4.  j 
Goods  for  removal.  ^ 

Bond- Office,  Customs,  London, 
Twenty-ffth  day  of  August^  1847. 

mn^p'fl'i^''  ^'""'^  T'^'^'h  ^^^^^^^^t,  of  Eastcheap,  intends  to  re- 
move the  undermentioned  goods,  warehoused  at  Cutler  street  by 
,  the       day  of  ,  18    ,  ex  the  ^ 

tTefe't'o  tTe-..arehoused,'v-L"''^^^' 
Twelve  hundred  pounds  of  tea. 
Duty,  £150, 

This  is  to  certify,  that  security  is  taken  for  the  due  arrival  and 

W.  WYE  ROW, 

We  .  Clerk  of  the  bonds, 

.  Smith,  consignee. 

Security:  JAMES  PEEK, 

Broker^  Eastcheap, 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  221 


No.  5. 

Form  of  entry  for  warehousing  from  another  port. 

St.  Katharine  docks,  by  railway  from  Liverpool,  ex  Nagle, 

Jones,  from  Singapore,  British  ship  Harbing  &  Son, 

^     H  3.  One  case  manufactured  tobacco  cigars,  produce  of  Manilla; 

land  coast  despatch,  warehoused  at  Liverpool  by  Murray,  Syme  & 
^  Co.,  1st  October,  1846,  dated  21st  August,  1847,  now  to  be  re- 
)  "warehoused  in  the  St.  Katharine  docks.  , 
August  27,  1847. 


[To  accompany  form  5. J 

I  [6,260.] 

Liverpool  Custom  House, 

August  21,  1847. 

I  Gentlemen:  On  the  other  side  are  particulars  of  ''one  case  ma- 
nufactured tobacco  cigars,  produce  of  Manilla,"  imported  here  and 
,  warehoused  under  the  act  8  &  9  Vict.,  ch.  91,  and  now  removed  to 
■  your  port  under  bond  given  by  Samuelton,"  on  the  •'20th  day 
^  of  August,  1847,"  in  the  "(railway,)"  master,  by  virtue 

|of  the  said  act.    "Ten  days  allowed." 

I  am,  gentlemen,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

J.  M.  HOLDEN,  Jr., 
Warehouse  keeper. 

^'Consigned  to  Messrs.  Harbing  &  Son." 

The  collector  and  comptroller,  "London." 

United  Kingdom,  No.  73,  letters  of  advice  for  dry  goods. 


Mark  and 
Jiumber. 

Gross  landing 
quantity. 

Tare. 

Gross  delivery 
quantity. 

More, 

Less. 

H 

3 

2  1  23 

2  25 

Tare. 

1  2  26 
1 

Ties. 

1  2  25 

or 

193  pounds. 

Warehoused  by  Murray  .Syme  &  Co.,  Oct.  1,  1846. 
^     £x  "Nagle,"  from  Singapore. 


222  Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 

No.  6. 

Form  of  export  entry  from  bond, 
COCKET, 

Pro  forma  for  foreign  goods  from  the  warehouse. 

Custom-house, 
London, 

In  the  Batavier,  D.  Dunlop,  for  Rotterdam. 

Knov?  ye,  that  Henry  Grey,  jr.,  hath  entered  the  following  goods 
to  be  exported  from  the  warehouse,  for  which  bond  is  given, 
namely: 

Five  hundred  gallons  of  Spanish  wine. 
Entered  outwards, 

J.  W. 

August  20,  1847. 

Dated  August  21,  1847. 
H.  WILLIRMOTT,  pro  Collector. 

Tons  227. 

J.  D.  SOPER,  pro  Comptroller. 

47 

St.  Katharine^ s  Docks, 
G  G  ^,  8  quarter  casks,  160  gallons,  Spanish  wine. 
Cleared  eight. 

H.  GREY,  Lighterman. 
St.  Katharine's  docks,  August  21,  1847. 
Ship  off  tower. 


To  accompany  form  JSTo*  6. 

Shipping  bill. 

In  the  Batavier,  D.  Dunlap,  for  Rotterdam. 

HENRY  GREY,  Jr. 

47 

August  21,  1847.  * 

Foreign  goods  to  be  exported  from^the  warehouse^  bond'given- 
500  gallons  Spanish  wine. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


223 


From  the  St.  Katharine' s  Bocks, 

G  G  I,  8  quarter  casks,  160  gallons,  E.  Edward,  Pearse  &  Cadi- 
ztnto,  June  24,  1847,  by  Green  &  Co. 
Eight  quarter  casks,  160  gallons,  Spanish  wine. 
Cleared  eight. 

H.  GREY,  Lighterman. 
St.  Katharine's  docks,  August  21,  1847. 
Ship  off  tower. 

Signed  by  warehouse  keeper  for  delivery,  and  searched  for  ship- 
ment. 


No.  7. 

Form  of  hill  of  sight  and  return  thereon^  part  for  consumption^  part 

to  he  warehoused. 

Custom  House  Quay. 

In  the  Jas.  Watt,  Ferguson,  Havre. 

Sight  J.  Harrison 

British  ship 
Deposit  fifty  pounds 

C+  Two  cases  of  merchandise.   Further  particulars  unknown. 

I,  Edw.  Edwards,  clerk  to  Messrs.  Tanner  &  Co.,  the  known 
agents  of  J.  Harrison,  importer  of  the  goods  abovementioned,  do 
hereby  declare  that  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief  he  has 
not  received  sufficient  invoice,  bill  of  lading,  or  other  advice,  from 
whence  the  quality,  quantity  or  value  of  the  goods  abovemen- 
tioned can  be  ascertained.  And  I  further  declare  that  I  have  not 
any  reason  to  believe  that  the  duty  on  the  abovementioned  goods 
will  amount  to  more  than  the  sum  deposited. 

EDW.  EDWAFvDS. 

Signed  and  declared  this  20th  day  of  August,  1847,  in  the  pre- 
sence of 

J.  J.  JOHNSON,  pro  Collector. 

Let  this  sight  pass  for  the  goods  abovementioned,  to  be  landed 
and  examined  by  the  importer  in  presence  of  the  proper  officer, 
previous  to  passing  a  perfect  entry  for  the  same. 

Dated  the  20th  August,  1847. 
34 

Custom  House  Quay. 

I     Jas.  Watt,  Ferguson,  Havre. 

British  ship  J.  Harrison 

in  part  of  sight 


224 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


C+  One  case  of  goods  manufactureil,  not  otherwise  enumerated 
or  described. 

Value  one  hundred  pounds — £IW. 
T.  S.  ?  Initials  of  computers  to  signify  th:it  the  amount  of  duty 
J.  T.  )     is  correct. 

P.  M.  Initials  of  receiver's  clerk  that  the  duty  is  paid. 
Duty  £10. 

J.  MASON,  Receiver. 
T.  SMITH,  Comptroller. 

Who  are  responsible  to  the  crown. 

I,  Edward  Edwards,  clerk  to  'Messrs.  Tanner  &  Co.,  of  Beer 
Lane,  do  hereby  declare  that  I  am  authorized  by  the  importer,  and 
I  do  enter  the  above  goods  at  the  value  of  one  hundred  pounds. 

Witness  my  hand  this  20th  August,  1847. 

EDW.  EDWARDS. 

199 

In  full  of  sight,  No.  34.  August  20,  1847.  Deposit  ^£50.  To 
be  returned. 

C+  One  case  of  silk  manufactures  not  otherwise  enumeratedy 
the  produce  of  Europe,  to  be  warehoused. 
T  S  ? 

J  *      ^  Initials  of  computers  to  sanctioa  the  return  of  the  deposit, 

J.  MASON,  Receiver, 
T.  SMITH,  Comptroller, 

Endorsed  by  me, 

Edw.  Edwards,  for  Tanner  &  Co.,  Beer  Lane. 
August  20,  1847. 
200 


No.  8. 

Form  of  a  hill  of  sight  and  return  thereon^  all  for  immediate  f  071- 

sumption. 

Custom -HOUSE  Quay. 

In  the  city  of  Boulogne.  Time.  Boulogne. 

Sight  M.  Lawson 

British  ship. 

Deposit  <£10;  ten  pounds. 

ML.  64. — One  case  of  silks,  &c. 

Further  particulars  unknown. 

I,  HtiF.ry  Constantine,  cleik  to  Scotney  &  Co.,  the  known  agents 
of  Mr.  Lawson,  iKjporter  of  the  goods  above  mentioned,  do  hereby 
declare  that  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief,  he  has  not  re- 
ceived sufficient  invoice, bill  of  lading  or  other  advice,  from  whence 
the  quality,  quantity  or  value  of  the  goods  above  mentioned  can  be 
ascertained.   And  I  further  declare  that  I  have  not  any  reason  to  be- 


225  [32] 

lieve  that  the  duty  on  the  above  mentioned  goods  will  amount  to 
more  than  the  sum  deposited. 

HENRY  CONSTANTINE. 
Signed  and  declared  this  20th  day  of  August,  1847,  in  the  pre- 
sence of 

JOHN  JOHNSON,  Collector.  ^ 
Let  this  sight  pass  for  the  goods  abo#e  mentioned,  to  be  landed 
and  examined  by  the  importer  in  the  pTesence  of  the  proper  officer, 
previous  to  passing  a  perfect  entry  for  the  same. 
Dated  the  20th  August,  1847. 

*  46  9—12 


Form  of  a  hill  of  sight  and  return  thereon, 

CuSTOM-HOUSE  QuAY 

City  of  Boulogne.  Time.  Boulogne. 

British  ship.  ^  M.  Lawson 

In  full  sight,  20th  August,  1847.    No.  46.    Deposit  £10. 
ML.  Or.e  case  containing 
64.  Five  pounds  six  ounces  plain  silk  broad  stuffs.    Three  pounds 
fifteen  ounces  plain  silk  crape  broad  stuffs.     Silk  manufactures. 


value  ten  pounds  j6l6 

Cotton  manufactures,  not  being  articles  made  uo^value  forty 

pounds,  duty  free  ,mk  ••  40 

Woollen  manufactures,  not  goat's  wool,  being  amcles  made 

up,  value  seventeen  pounds,  duty  free   17 

Goods  manufactured,  value  twelve  pounds......   12 


£79 


All  not  otherwise  enumerated  the  produce  of  Europe. 

P.  M. 

Initials  of  the  revenue  clerk  that  the  duty  is  paid. 

Duty,  £d  16s. 

T.  S.  )  Initials  of  the  computers  to  signify  that  the  amount  of  duty 
J.  T.  J     is  correct.. 

J.  MASON,  Receiver, 
T.  SMITH,  Comptroller, 
Who  are  responsible  to  the  Crown, 

^]ndorsed  by  me, 

H.  CONSTANTINE, 
p.   SCOTNEY  &  Co., 

8  Water  Lane,  August  20, 1847. 

I,  Henry  Constantine,  clerk  to  Scotney  &  Co.  of  Water  Lane,  do 
hereby  declare  that  I  am  duly  authorized  by  the  importers  of  the 
goods  contained  in  this  entry,  and  do  enter  those  at  value,  at  th* 
sum  of  seventy-nine  pounds. 

384  H.  CONSTANTINE. 

Witness  my  hand,  this  20th  August,  1847. 
15 


[  38  ]  226 

No.  9. 

Mode  of  passing  entries  inwards. 

A  warrant  and  two  bills  are  necessary  for  each  entry,  and,  when 
numbered  out,  the  reader  places  a  bill  before  each  of  the  compu- 
ters and  reads  every  partigiilar  contained  in  the  warrant. 

The  comptroller's  computer  then  makes  his  computation  from  the 
warrant,  the  receiver's  computer  calculating  at  the  same  time  the 
amount  of  duty  on  one  of  the  bills;  and  the  two  computers  having 
agreed  to  the  merchant's  computation  the  amount  of  duty  is  figured 
upon  the  second  bill  by  .the  comptroller's  computer,  from  the  war- 
rant which  he  has  himself  just  computed. 

The  comptroller's  bill  being  thus  rendered  a  fac  simile  of  the 
warrant,  is  the  medium  through  which  the  comptroller's  cash  book 
is  entered  up,  the  warrant  itself  being  by  this  arrangement  much 
earlier  despatched  to  the  delivery  stations. 

The  receiver's  cash  book  is  posted  from  the  bill  which  his  own 
computer  has  checked,  and  the  cash  books  of  the  receiver  and 
comptroller  are  compared  and  agreed  on  the  morning  following  the 
close  of  each  day's  business. 

There  is  an  ulterior  check  in  the  office  of  principal  comptroller 
of  landing  and  warehousing  accounts. 

The  comptroller  keeps  a  balance  book  of  each  day's  transactions. 


«»  ^  Receipt  of  duties. 

The  assistant  to  the  receiver  compares  the  bill  with  the  warrant, 
and  having  entered  the  amount  of  th€  duty  on  his  account  paper, 
detains  the  warrant  until  he  either  receives  the  money  or  a  voucher 
showing  that  it  has  been  paid  to  the  receiver  general. 

He  then  puts  his  initials  on  the  warrant  and  hands  it  to  the  re- 
ceiver, who  signs  it  and  passes  it  to  the  comptroller;  after  which 
it  is  forwarded  by  an  official  messenger  to  the  station  where  the 
goods  are  deposited. 

No.  10. 

^  Copy  of  ship^s  report.  • 

London,  No.  10. 

In  the  ship  Deuvent,  of  Newcastle,  British  built,  property  ali 
British,  about  two  hundred  and  seventy-one  tons,  with  nine  men, 
of  whom  all  are  British,  and  are  besides 

James  Nash  Marshall,  a  British  man,  master  for  this  present  voyage  j 
from  Cronstadt. 

I583O  quarters  of  wheat,  in  bulk,  and  in  250  linen  and  110  mat  1 
i^ags,  480  damaged  mats,  consigned  to  order;  1,050  pieces  lathwood,  ^ 
Perkins  &  Co.;  36  deals,  12  pair  oars,  the  master.  | 

For  ship's  use,  2  spare  lower  yards,  2  spare  topmasts. 


227 


[32] 


Surplus  stores — about  12  lbs.  sugar,  6  lbs.  coffee,  1  lb.  tea,  6  gal- 
lons spirits,  5  bottles  cherry  brandy,  6  lbs.  tobacco. 
Pilots'  names. — None  employed. 
Ship  lying  in  London  docks. 

E.  &  ^ .  RULE,  Agents. 

I  do  hereby  declare  that  the  entry  above  written,  now  tendered 
and  subscribed  by  me,  is  a  just  report  of  the  name  of  my  ship,  its 
burthen,  built,  property,  number,  and  country  of  mariners,  the  pre- 
sent master  and  voyage:  And  that  it  doth  further  contain  a  true 
account  of  my  lading,  with  the  particular  marks,  numbers,  quan- 
tity, quality  and  consignment  of  all  the  goods  and  merchandises 
in  my  said  ship,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge;  and  that  I  have  not 
broken  bulk  or  delivered  any  goods  out  of  my  said  ship  since  her 
loading  in  Cronstadt,  and  that  I  have  no  foreign  sails  or  cordage 
on  board  my  said  vessel. 

JAMES  NASH  MARSHALL. 

Signed  and  declared,  this  17th*  day  of  August,  1847,  in  the  pre- 
sence of 

J.  J.  JOHNSON. 
19—22.  ^ 


I,  James  Nash  Marshall  do  declare  that  I  have  no  aliens  on  board 
my  ship,  and  that  I  have  not  passed  any  lights  on  the  Irish  coast, 
so  as  to  receive  benefit  therefrom,  since  clearing  last  from  England. 

JAMES  NASH  MARSHALL. 

Signed  and  declared,  before  me,  this  17th  August,  1847. 

R.  J.  WILLIAMS, 
Deputy  Collector, 


This  form  of  certificate  is  forwarded  from  the  port  of  arrival  to 
the  port  of  removal^  for  the  purpose  of  cancelling  the  bond. 

Port  of  London. 

These  are  to  certify,  that  there  have  been  received  and  ware- 
housed at  this,  port,  under  the  authority  of  8  and  9  Vic,  ch.  91, 
pursuant  to  entry,  by  Harbing  &  Son,  on  the  27th  day  of  August, 
1847,  the  following  goods,  viz:  H  3  one  case  manufactured  tobacco, 
segars,  produce  of  Manilla,  to  be  warehoused  in  St.  Katharine's 
docks,  removed  from  Liverp^ool,  under  bond  given  by  E.  Samueltou, 
on  the  20th  day  of  August,  1847,  per  railway,  by  Tirtue  of  the  said 
act.  And  that  the  full  duties  will  be  charged  on  the  deficiency 
upon  the  quantity  delivered  from  the  warehouses  at  St.  Katharine's 
docks. 


[32  J  228 

Dated  at  the  custom-house,  London,  this  28th  day  of  August,  J 

COLE, 

Comptroller  of  Accounts  in  the  St.  Katharine^ s  docks,    \  ' 

To  the  Collector  ani^Comptroller  of  Customs, 

Jit  Liverpool.  ; 


Forms  of  bonds  taken  by  the  Collector  and  Comptroller  for  ware- 
housed goods. 

No.  la.  Exportation  from  the  warehouse. 
2a.  For  removal  to  another  port. 
3a.  Surplus  stores  removed  to  another  port. 
4a.  Shipped  as  stores. 

5a.  Sugar  removed  to  a  bonded  sugar-house  to  be  refined. 
6a.  Goods  to  be  bleached,  &c. 
7a.  Stores  for  ships  of  war. 

The  penalty  of  these  bonds  being  double  the  amount  of  duty  to 
which  the  goods  are  subject. 

Tl^  warehouse  keeper  gives  a  general  bond  for  the  security  of 
the  duties  under  the  8th  sec.  8  and  9  Vic,  ch.  91.  This  is  a  spe- 
cial bond,  taken  by  the  solicitor  for  the  customs. 


No.  1  A. 

For  exportation  from  the  warehouse, — Bo7id  note  issued  to  the  ware- 
house keeper  annexed. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we  are  held  and  firmly 

bound  unto  our  sovereign  lady  Victoria,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of 
the  united  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  queen,  defender 
of  the  faith,  in  the  sum  of  pounds  of  good  and  lawful  money 

of  Great  Britain,  to  be  paid  to  our  said  lady,  the  queen,  her  heirs 
and  successors;  to  which  payment  well  and  truly  to  be  made,  we 
bind  ourselves,  and  each  of  us,  by  himself,  for  and  in  the  whole, 
our  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators,  and  every  of  them,  firmly 
by  these  presents.  Sealed  with  our  seals.  •  Dated  this  day 
of  in  the  year  of  the  reign  of  her  said  Majesty,  and  in 

the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty  • 

Whereas  the  above  bounden  hath  given  notice  of  his  inten- 

tion to  export  to  in  the  ship  master 

Now  the  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  said 
goods  and  every  part  thereof  shall  be  .duly  shipped  and  exported 
to,  and  shall  be  landed  at  aforesaid,  or  shall  be  otherwise  ac- 

counted for  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  commissioners  of  her  Majesty's 
customs,  then  this  obligation  to  be  void,  otherwise  to  be  and  re- 
main in  full  force  and  virtue. 

Sealed  and  delivered  (being  first  legally  stamped) 


229  [32] 

No.  8  A. 

Bond  Office,  Customs,  London, 

2^th  day  of  August^  1847. 

These  are  to  certify  that  Ruck,  Son  &  Fenwick,  of  No.  St. 
Dunstan's  Hill,  have  given  security  as  required  by  law  for  the  due 
exportation  of  one  thousand  gallons  rum,  two  hundred  and  fifty 
gallons  over  proof  foreign  spirits,  not  sweetened. 

Amount  of  duty  seven  hundred  pounds,  on  board  the  Olinda,  for 
Hobart  Town. 

W.  WYBROW, 

Clerk  of  the  bonds. 

The  above  goods  warehoused,  by  Ruck,  Son  &  Fenwick,  the21st 
day  of  June,  1847,  ex  the  William,  master,  Jones,  from  St.  .  Vin- 
cents. 

Security:  CHARLES  LUCEY, 

Lighterman  Coxe^s  quay. 

[John  Ruck,  jr.,  will  sign  for  the  firm.] 


No.  2  A. 

For  removal  to  another  port. — Bond  note  annexed  to  entry  JVo.  4i 

(See  25  section  8  and  9  Vict.,  ch.  91.) 
♦ 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we  are  held  and 

firmly  bound  to  her  present  Majesty,  queen  Victoria,  in  the  sum 
of  pouiids  of  good  and  lawful  money  of  Great  Britain,  to  be 

paid  to  her  said  Majesty,  her  heirs,  aVid  successors;  and  for  which 
payment  to  be  well  and  faithfully  made,  we  bind  ourselves,  and 
each  and  every  of  us,  by  himself,  our  and  each  of  our  heirs,  exec- 
utors, and  administrators,  and  every  of  them,  firmly  by  these  pres- 
ents. Sealed  with  our  seals.  Dated  the  day  of  in  the 
year  of  the  reign  of  her  said  Majesty,  and  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  thousand  eighl  hundred  and  forty 

Whereas  the  above  bounden  is  the  proprietor  of  the  fol- 

lowing goods,  wares,  and  merchandise,  that  is  to  say,  and 
which  said  goods,  wares,  and  merchandise,  are  now  lodged  and  de- 
posited in  a  warehouse  or  warehouses  at  in  the  port  of  Lon- 
don, under  the  regulations  of  an  act  passed  in  the  third  and  fourth 
years  of  the  reign  of  his  Majesty  King  William  the  IV.,  entitled 
**An  act  for  the  w^arehousing  of  goods." 

And  whereas  the  said  intends  to  remove  and  convey  the 

said  goods,  wares,  and  merchandise  from  the  said  port  by  to 
the  port  of  subject  to  the  rules,  regulations,  and  restrictions 

in  that  behalf  by  law  provided. 

Now  the  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  said 


[  32] 


230 


goods,  wares,  and  merchandise,  and  every  part  thereof,  shall  be  duly 
delivered  without  alteration  or  diminution  into  the  custody  and 
possession  of  the  proper  officer  of  customs  at  the  said  last  mentioned 
port;  and  if  the  said  goods,  wares,  and  merchandise,  and  every 
part  thereof,  shail  be  duly  rewarehoused  at  Ihe  port  of  next 
following  the  date  hereof,  then  this  obligation  to  be  void,  or  else 
to  be  and  remain  in  full  force,  vigor,  and  effect. 

Sealed  and  delivered  (being  first  duly  stamped)  in  the  pres- 
ence of 


No.  3  A. 

Bond  for  surplus  stores  removed  coastwise  to  another  port. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we  are  held  and 

firmly  bound  unto  our  sovereign  lady  Victoria,  by  the  grace  of 
God,  of  the  united  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  queen, 
defetider  of  the  faith,  in  the  sum  of  pounds  of  good  and  law- 

ful money  of  Great  Britain,  to  be  paid  to  our  said  lady  the  queen, 
her  heirs  and  successors^  to  which  payment  well  and  truly  to  be 
made,  we  bind  ourselves,  and  each  of  us,  by  himself,  for  and  in  the 
whole,  our  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators,  and  every  of  them, 
firmly  by  these  presents.  Sealed  with  our  seals.  Dated  this 
day  of  in  the  y^ar  of  the  reign  of  her  said  Majesty,  and 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty 

Whereas  the  commissioners  of  her  Majesty's  customs  have,  by 
their  order  dated  the  25th  November,  1845,  directed  that  surplus 
stores  left  on  board  any  importing  ship  or  vessel  about  to  proceed 
coastwise  only,  be  placed  under  seal  of  office;  and  in  addition 
thereto,  that  in  all  cases  where  the  quantity  of  high  duty  goods 
left  on  board  such  ship  or  vessel  may  to  the  proper  officer  appear 
to  be  excessive,  a  special  bond  for  the  same  be  required. 

And  whereas,  the  ship  hath  on  board  the  following  exces-w 

sive  surplus  stores,  namely: — 

Now,  the  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  said 
goods  and  every  part  thereof  shall  be  delivered  without  alteration 
or  diminution,  into  the  custody  or  possession  of  the  pioper  officers 
of  customs  at  the  port  of  >  ;  and  if  the  duty  on  any  deficiency 
of  such  stores  shall  be  paid  within  the  space  of  days  next 

following  from  the  date  hereof  to  the  collector  and  comptroller  of 
such  port,  then  this  obligation  to  be  void,  or  else  to  be  and  remain 
in  fall  force  and  virtue. 

Sealed  and  delivered  (being  first  legally  stamped.) 


231 


[32] 


No.  4  A. 

Goods  on  victualling  hill,  to  be  used  as  stores. 
STORES. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  I  am  held  and  firmly 

bound  unto  our  sovereign  lady  Victoria,  by  the  grace  of  God  of 
the  united  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  queen,  defender 
of  the  faith,  in  the  sum  of  pounds  of  good  and  lawful  money 

of  Great  Britain,  to  be  paid  unto  our  said  lady  the  queen,  her  heirs 
or  successors;  to  which  payment  well  and  truly  to  be  made,  I  bind 
myself,  for  and  in  the  whole,  my  heirs,  executor^,  and  administra- 
tors,_and  every  of  them,  firmly  by  these  presents.  Sealed  with  my 
seal.    Dated  this  day  of  in  the  year  of  the  reign 

of  her  said  Majesty,  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousan'd  eight 
hundred  and 

Whereas,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  passed  at  a  sessions  of  Parlia- 
ment holden  in  the  third  and  fourth  years  of  the  reign  of  his 
Majesty  King  William  the  IV.,  entitled  ^^An  act  for  the  warehous- 
ing of  goods,"  certain  goods  now  secured  in  a  warehouse,  without 
payment  of  duty,  are  about  to  be  shipped  as  stores,  on  board  , 
master,  bound  for  ;  ^nd  whereas,  a  victualling  bill  is 

about  to  be  issued  for  the  same  by  the  proper  officer  of  customs. 

Now  the  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  all  such 
gpods  enumerated  in  such  victualling  bill  shall  be  used  as  stores 
for  the  said  vessel,  or  be  otherwise  accounted  for  to  the  satisfaction 
of  the  commissioners  of  customs,  and  if  the  packages  containing  the 
same  shall  not  be  opened,  or  any  of  the  goods  therein  taken  out  or 
altered,  until  the  said  ship  shall  have  left  the  port  on  her  intended 
/oreign  voyage;  then  this  obligation  to  be  void,  or  otherwise  to 
remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 

Signed,  sealed,  and  delivered,  (being  first  duly  stamped)  in  the 
presence  of 


No.  5  A. 

For  sugar  removed  from  the  warehouse  to  a  bonded^ sugar  house, 
for  the  'purpose  of  refining. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  held  and  firmly  bound 

unto  our  sovereign  lady  Victoria,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  the 
united  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  queen,  defender  of 
the  faith,  in  the  sum  of  pounds  of  good  and  lawful  money  of 

Great  Britain,  to  be  paid  to  our  said  lady  the  queen,  her  heirs 
and  successors;  to  which  payment,  well  and  truly  to  be  made, 
bind  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators,  and  every  of  them, 

firmly  by  these  presents.    Sealed  with       seal.    Dated  this 


[32] 


232 


day  of  in  the  year  of  the  reign  of  her  said  Majesty,  and 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty. 

Whereas  by  an  act  passed  in  the  third  and  fourth  year  of  the 
reign  of  his  late  Majesty  King  William  the  IV,  entitled  ^'  An  act 
to  admit  sugar  with  payment  of  duty  to  be  refined  for  exporta- 
tion," the  commissioners  of  her  Majesty's  customs  are  upon  appli- 
cation to  them  of  any  person  actually  carrying  on  the  business  of  a 
sugar  refiner  in  the  ports  of  London,  Liverpool,  Bristol,  Hull, 
Greenock,  or  Glasgow,  or  any  other  port,  to  be  approved  of  by  the 
lords  commissioners  of  her  Majesty's  treasury,  authorized  by  their 
order  to  apjirove  of  premises  as  bonded  sugar  houses  for  the  refining 
of  sugar  for  exportation  only,  on  it  being  made  appear  to  the  satis- 
faction of  the  said  commissioners  that  the  said  premises  are  fit 
in  every  respect  for  receiving  such  sugars,  and  wherein  the  same 
may  be  safely  deposited. 

And  whereas  the  said  commissioners  of  her  Majesty's  customs 
have,  pursuant  to  the  powers  vested  in  them  by  the  said  recited 
act,  approved  of  a  sugar  house  situate  now  in  the  occupa- 

tion of  the  above  bounden  as  a  bonded  sugar  house  for  the 

refining  of  sugar  for  exportation  only. 

And  whereas  the  said  hath  entered  to  be  refined  in 

the  said  premises. 

Now  the  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  all  the  de- 
ficiences  arisincr  in  the  transit  of  the  said  sugar  from  the  bonded 
warehouses  to  the  said  bonded  sugar  house  shall  be  duly  paid  to  the 
collector  of  the  customs  at  the  port  of  London,  within  four  months 
from  the  date  of  these  presents,  and  if  the  whole  of  such  sugar 
shall  be  actually  subject  to  the  process  of  refinement  upon  the  said 
premises,  and  if  within  four  months  of  the  date  of  these  presents 
the  whole  of  the  refined  sugar  and  treacle  produced  by  such  pro- 
cess shall  be  either  duly  exported  from  the  said  premises,  or  de- 
livered into  an  approved  bonded  warehouse  under  the  locks  of  the* 
crown,  for  the  purpose  of  .being  eventually  exported  to  foreign 
parts,  then  this  obligation  to  be  void,  otherwise  to  be  and  remain 
in  full  force  and  virtue. 

Sealed  and  delivered,  (being  first  legally  stamped,)  in  the  pres-, 
ence  of 


No.  6  A. 

Goods  may  be  taken  out  of  warehouse  to  be  bleached^  or  any  other 
purpose  the  commissioners  may  approve.  (39  ^ec,  8  and  9  Vict ^ 
ch,  91,  bond  note  annexed.) 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we  are  held  and  firmly 
bound  to  our  sovereijgrn  lady  Victoria,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  the 
united  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  queen,  defender  of 
the  faith,  in  the  sum  of  pounds  of  good  and  lawful  money  of 

Great  Britain,  to  be  paid  to  our  said  lady  the  queen,  her  heirs  and 


233 


[32] 


successors;  to  which  payment,  well  and  truly  to  be  made,  we  bind 
ourselves,  and  every  of  us,  jointly  and  severally,  for  and  in  the 
whole,  our  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators,  and  every  of  them, 
firmly  by  these  presents.    Sealed  with  our  seals.    Dated  the 
day  of  in  the  year  of  the  reign  of  her  said  Majesty^ 

and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 

Whereas  the  above  bounder)  hath  in  a  warehouse  at 

in  the  port  of  London  which  he  intends  to  take  out  of  the 

said  warehouse,  in  order  to  their  being 

Now  the  condition  of  the  above  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the 
said  shall  truly  return  the  aboYementioned  goods,  ^nd  every 

part  thereof,  into  the  said  warehouse  aforesaid,  within  the  spaed  of 
.from  the  day  of  the  date  hereof^  then  this  obligation  to  be 
void,  or  else  to  be  and  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 

Sealed  and  delivered,  (being  first  legally  stamped,)  in  the  pres- 
ence of 


No.  9  A. 

Goods  to  be  bleached^  refreshed^  repaired^  4fC. 

Mr.  Richard  Walford,  of  27  Lawrence  lane,  Cheapside,  having 
in  the  warehouse  at  New  street  the  undermentioned  goods,  viz., 
one  thousand  pieces  Corahs,  silk  manufacture,  of  and  from  British 
possessions,  duty  one  hundred  pounds,  which  he  intends  taking 
out  in  order  to  be  printed  and  made  mer^iantable,  on  giving  secu- 
rity for  the  due  return  thereof  into  the  said  warehouse  within  three 
months,  conformablv  to  the  board's  order  of  31st  day  of  January, 

1846. 

« 

Warehouse- keeper. 

2oth  day  of  August^  1847  , 

This  is  to  certify  that  security  has  been  taken  for  the  due  return 
of  the  said  goods  in  the  period  above  stated. 
Bond  Office,  2bth  day  of  August^  1847. 

Security,  William  Austin  Fossett,  lighterman,  21  Water  lane. 


No.  7  A. 

For  good's  sent  on  board  ships  rf  war  from  the  bonded  warehouses  to 

be  used  as  stores. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we 
are  held  and  firmly  bound  to  her  present  Majesty  Queen  Victoria 
in  the  sum  of 

pounds  of  good  and  lawful  money  of  Great  Britain,  to  be  paid  to 


[32] 


234 


her  said  ^^J^^ty^^^er  heirs  or  successors;  and  for  which  payment 
to  be  well  and  faithfully  made  we  bind  ourselves,  and  each  and 
every  of  us,  by  himself,  our  and  each  of  our  heirs,  'executors,  and 
admimstrators,  aiid  erery  of  them,  firmly  by  these  presents,  s'ealed 
with  our  seals.    Dated  this  day  of  in  the 

year  of  the  reign  of  her  said  majesty,  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty- 

Whereas  the  above  bounden 
that^ isKr following  goods,  wares,  and  merchandise, 

and  which  sdid  goods,  ware^,  and  merchandise,  are  now  lodged  and 
deposited  in  a  warehouse  or  warehouses  at 

in  the  port  of  London,  under  the  regulations  of  an  act  passed  in 
the  third  and  fourth  years  of  the  reign  of  his  Majesty  King  William 
the  Fourth,  entitled  "An  act  for  the  warehousing  of  goods  " 

And  whereas  the  said  intends  to  remove 

ana  convey  the  said  goods,  wares,  and  merchandise  from  the  said 
,  port  of  subject  to  the 

rules,  regulations,  and  restrictions  in  that  behalf  by  law  provided 
And  at  the  said  port  of  to  put  the  same  on  board  the 

.         .      ^  '  ^^^^^        ^f       Majesty's  ships  of  war,  for 
the  use  ol  certain  officers  of  th^  said  ship. 

Now  .the  conditioa  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  said 
goods,  wares,  and  merchandise,  and  every  part  thereof,  shall  be 
duly  delivered  without  alteration  or  diminutioa,  on  board  her  ma- 
jesty ^  ship  ,  lying  at  the  port  of 

and  if  a  certificate,  signec^by  the  commanding  oflftcer  of  the  said 
s^iip  shall  be  produced  within  from 

the  date  of  the  delivery  from  the  w^arehouse,  certifying  that  the 
said  goods  had  been  delivered  on  board  such  ship,  then  this  obli- 
gation  to  be  void,  or  else  to  be  and  remain  in  full  force,  vioror,  and 
effect.  °  ' 

^^Sealed  and  delivered  (being  first  duly  stamped)  in  the  presence 
^^BoDd  for  the  removal  of  goods  on  board  her  majesty's  ships  of 


M. 

Duties  of  customs  officers  attached  to  the  docks  in  London,  with  list 

of  books  and  returns. 

On  the  arrival  from  foreign  parts  of  a  ship  at  Gravesend,  laden 
with  merchandise,  ticte- waiters  are  put  on  board,  and  remain  until 
she  reaches  the  place  of  discharge.  The  goods  being  dul/  reported 
and  entered-at  the  custom-house,  a  warrant  authorizing  the  ware- 
Housing  of  them  is  signed  by  the  receiver  of  the  duties  under  the 
collector,  and  other  officers  of  the  inward  department,  and  trans- 


235 


[32] 


milted  to  the  "registrar"  at  the  docks  where  the  vessel  discharges 
!her  cargo,  who  issues  an  order  to  the  tide-waiter  on  board  for  the 
landing  of  the  goods  according  to  the  entry  passed  for  the  same, 
under  the  immediate  care  of  a  landing  waiter  specially  appointed 
to  each  ship.  The  landing  waiters  examine  and  weigh  the  several 
packages  containing  dry  goods,  and  officers  denominated  '^gaugers" 
gauge  and  ascertain  the  contents  of  wet  goods,  and  both  officers 
enter  an  account  thereof  in  two  books  delivered  to  them  for  that 
purpose  by  the  registrar;  one  containing  the  particulars  of  goods 
to  be  warehoused,  and  the  other  contains  the  entries  of  goods  not 
to  be  warehoused  upon  which  duty  is  paid  by  a  prime  entry,  sub- 
ject to  a  further  port  entry  if  short  paid.  This  second  book  also 
contains  the  total  number  of  packages  and  quantity  landed  by  each 
warehousing  warrant,  to  enable  the  jerquer  to  whose  office  this 
book  is  sent  to  check  the  quantity  of  goods  landed  by  the  captain's 
report  of  the  ship.  . 

The  landing  waiters  and  gaugers,  in  the  performance  of  their 
duty,  are  subject  to  the  daily  superintendence  of  the  landing  sur- 
Teyors. 

immediately  after  the  goods  have  been  weighed,  the  tares,  &c., 
adjusted,  the  marks,  numbers,  and  other  particulars  entered  in  the 
landing  waiter's  books,  the  goods  are  deposited  in  a  warehouse, 
and  placed  under  the  charge  of  the  London  dock  company,  and  a 
receipt  ^iven  on  their  part  in  the  landing  waiter's  book,  which  re- 
lieves the  latter  from  any  further  responsibility  respecting  them. 

The  landing  waiter's. book,  containing  an  account  of  -the  ware- 
housed gdt)ds,  made  up  agreeable  to  each  merchant's  entry,  is  sent 
to  the  ^^comptroller  of  accounts,"  who  enfers  the  particulars  into  his 
book  called  a  *^register,"  and  when  the  whole  cargo  has  been  de- 
livered, the  landing  book,  warrants,  and  orders  for  delivery  are 
given  over  to  a  clerk  in  his  office  for  final  examination^  the  other 
landing  book,  containing  an  account  of  the  whole  cargo  in  the 
manner  before  stated,  is  transmitted  from  the  registrar's  office  to 
an  officer  denominated  a  "jerker,"  whose' duty  it  is  to  examine  into 
the  correctness  of  such  account  by  the  ^hip's  report,  and  with 
whom  this  book  ultimately  remains. 

The  goods  are  delivered  from  the  warehouse  for  home  consump- 
tion by  authority  of  a  warrant  issued  by  the  receiver  of  the  duties 
under  the  collector,  and  forwarded  by  messengers  every  half  hour 
to  the  several  stations  where  the  goods  are  deposited,  certifying 
that  the  duties  have  been  paid. 

By  virtue  of  this  warrant  wherein  is  described  the  marks,  num- 
bers, and  other  particulars  of  the  goods  intended  to  be  so  taken 
out,  an  order  is  issued  to  the  London  dock  company  to  deliver  the 
same. 

If  the  goods  are  intended  for  exportation  or  removal,  to  be  ware- 
housed at  some  other  port  in  the'united  kingdom,  a  certificate  is 
given  that  bond  has  been  taken  for  the  due  exportation  or  removal 
of  the  goods,  as  the  case  may  be,  also  a  document  called  a  *'cocket," 
and  a  ^'shipping  bill,"  if  the  goods  be  for  exportation,  containing 
the  particulars  of  the  goods  intended  to  be  so  taken  out,  whereon 


[  32  ]  23G 

the  necessary  order  is  issue.l  to  the  London  dock  company  to  deli- 
ver the  same  into  the  charge  of  the  searcher,  or  for  removal  coast- 

1 S  C  • 

H.  COLE, 

To  C.  C.  Walden,    U       .   .  Comptroller. 


C.  C.  Walden,    )  ^ 

D.  P.  Bakhydt,  \  (commissioners. 


Form  No.  1.  Monthly  return  of  imports  furnished  to  the  inspector 
general  of  imports  and  exports.  inspector 

2.  For  return  of  duty  overpaid.  ' 

3.  Letter  of  advice  for  dry  goods  removed  to  an  outport. 

4.  do  do  wet    do  do  do 

5.  Certificate  of  receipt  of  goods  from  an  outport. 

6.  Request  for  certificate  of  due  arrival  of  goods  at  an  outport. 

7.  Delivery  order  for  wet  goods  to  be  removed  coastwise. 
°-      ^°         ''°  do  do  do 

docL  comVny.  "  '°  London 

10.    do         do  wet     do    for  exportation, 

do         do  dry     do  do 

dock  company. '°  for  the  London 

o„\t  w^eLtrbtt\gt:'^''°"  shipped,, and  placed 

14  Note  to  accompany.goods  for  exportation  when  removed  for 
shipment  by  a  licensed  carman.  'emovea  lor 

tend'th™^?)'  f  °^  the  merchant,  to  at- 

n  tt,.  .  of  goods  from  one  bonded  warehouse  to  another 

hy  a  n::red^:'J,?m\"^'^°^"°'^'°^  exportation  when  not  conveyed 

16.  Delivery  order  for  dry  goods,  duty  paid. 

]l  ,         ,  wet  'do 

19  cltV'  principal  comptroller  of  accounts. 

20  For  Hrv'      V"^  17°''  ''"'''"g  ^""^  being  completed. 

2?:  S^o^bfok'^  '"''^ '"'^ '"^^ 

22.  Warrant  book. 

23.  Coastwise  letter  book. 

24.  Numerical  list  of  ships. 

25.  Warehousing  register. 


237 


[32] 


N. 

Extracts  from  replies  made  hy  the  officers  of  the  customs  at  Liver- 
pool to  the  questions  of  the  commissioners  relative  to  the  forms 
'  used  in  that  port. 

After  a  vessel,  with  foreign  goods,  has  regularly  reported  her 
cargo  inwards,  and  the  merchant  proceeds  to  enter  his  goods  to  be 
landed,  he  does  so.  in  two  ways:  either  to  pay  the  duty  and  land 
the  goods,  which  is  termed  *'duty  paid  from  ship,"  or  to  enter  the 
goods  to  be  warehoused  under  bond;  of  which  proceeding,  and  the 
regulations  for  ultimate  transactions  in  this  particular,  the  follow- 
ing is  observed  at  this  port: 

An  import  bonded  warehousing  entry  is  passed,  containing  the 
particulars,  as  stated  in  the  example  given,  and  is  signed  by  the 
collector  and  comptroller,  in  proof  that  bond  is  duly  given,  the 
form  of  which  bond  is  herewith,  A. 

The  entry  is  then  sent  to  the  registrar,  who  inserts  it  in  the 
bonded  landing  book  fdr  the  use  of  the  landing  waiter;  after 
which  he  sends  the  entry  to  the  clerk  of  the  comptroller  of  ware- 
house accounts,  who  enters  it  in  the  numerical  list  of  ships,  insert- 
ing in  the  corner  of  the  entry,  the  ship's  number,  and  the  number 
of  the  country  from  whence  the  goods  are  brought. 

The  entry  then  goes  to  the  warehouse  keeper,  who  issues  it  in 
due  course,  and  according  to  the  disposal  of  the  work  amongst  the 
clerks  having  charge  of  the  general  registers  for  dry  and  wet 
goods,  to  one  of  the  clerks,  who  opens  an  account  for  the  ship, 
and  posts  y|e  entry,  as  per  example  of  warehouse  keeper's  regis- 
ter. The  cTerk  then  waits  for  the  landing  book,  with  the  account 
of  the  cargo,  which,  on  being  furnished  by  the  landing  waiter,  is 
returned  to  the  registrar,  who,  after  giving  it  the  proper  examina- 
tion, sends  it  to  the  clerk  to  the  comptroller  of  warehouse  ac- 
counts, who  keeps  the  numerical  list,  and  he,  after  procuring  the 
statement  of  the  locker  as  to  the  goods  being  received  in  the 
warehouse,  sends  it  to  the  clerk  of  the  register,  who  posts  on  the 
warehousing  side  the  particulars  of  the  cor^ents  of  each  original 
import  entry;  thus  he  has  a  stock  to  deliver  from,  as  seen  here- 
after. 

The'  book  is  then  forwarded  to  the  office  of  the  comptroller  of 
"warehouse  accounts,  where  the  clerk  posts  the  totals  of  each  de- 
scription of  goods  in  the  R.  R.  D.,  as  per  example,  and  the  book 
is  then  deposited  in  the  room  for  such  purpose,  and  is  put  away  in 
alphabetical  order,  according  to  years,  a  memorandum  to  that  ef- 
fect being  first  made  in  the  numerical  list  of  ships,  and  having  de- 
posited in  the  book  the  various  import  bonded  entries. 

The  account  is  now  in  a  position  for  delivery  of  the  goods,  and 
the  first  entry,  for  example,  is  one  for  '"home  cocsumption." 

The  merchant's  clerk  makes  out  the  locker's  order,  a?  per  ex:im- 
ple,  with  the  numbers,  weights,  and  tares,  and  shows  the  net  for 
duty;  at  the  same  time,  he  makes  out  a  home  consumption  war- 
rant, as  per  example,  and  two  copies,  one  for  the  collector  and 


[32]  238 

one  for  the  comptroller,  on  which  the  duty  is  com()uted.  -The 
clerk  of  the  register  examines  the  locker's  order,  as  to  the  correct- 
ness of  the  weights,  tare,  and  net,  and  sees  that  the  warrant  is  cor-  | 
rectly  filled  up.  The  merchant's  clerk  then  proceeds  with  the 
warrant  and  copies  to  the  long  room,  to  have  the. duty  computed, 
which,  when  done,  he  pays  the  same,  and  the  warrant  is  signed  by 
the  collector  and  comptroller,  the  former  retaining  one  of  the  co- 
pies, and  the  latter  the  other  copy,  the  warrant  being  passed  on  to 
the  clerk  to  the  warehouse  keeper,  who  inserts  it  in  a  warrant 
book,  and  passes  it  to  the  clerk  to  the  comptroller  of  accounts, 
who,  in  the  interim,  has  been  furnished  with  the  locker's  order. 
This  clerk  then  comptrols  or  examines  the  locker's  order,  with  the 
body  of  the  warrant,  to  see  that  the  duty  has  been  properly  paid 
on  the  corre-ct  quantity,  and  that  no  alteration  has  been  made  in 
the  warrant  since  it  left  the  clerk  of  the  register.  He  signs  the 
locker's  order  as  comptroller  of  accounts,  and  puts  his  initials  to 
the  warrant,  in  proof  of  the  check,  and  passes  both  documents  to 
the  clerk  to  the  warrant  book  to  sign  th'em  for  the  "  warehouse 
keeper.'''  The  locker's  order  is  then  issued  for  the  delivery  of  the 
goods  from  the  warehouse,  and  the  warrant  goes  to  the  clerk  of 
the  register  to  post  finally,  as  a  delivery,  on  the  credit  side  of  his 
register;  and  he,  after  giving  the  warrant  the  number  of  the  ship 
and  country,  trhe  reference  letter,  and  number  of  the  register  and 
folio,  they  are  returned  to  the  clerk  who  keeps  the  cash  book.  He 
enters  the  number  of  the  warrant  and  amount  of  cash,  and  passes 
the  warrants  to  the  clerk  to  the  comptroller  of  accounts,  who 
keeps  the  R.  R.  D.  to  post.  After  posting,  the  clerk  the  next 
morning  calls  over  his  R.  R.  D.  with  the  register  kept  by  the  ware- 
house keeper's  clerk,  and  checks  every  particular  as  t0date,  num- 
ber, ship,  from  whence,  name  of  bonder,  date  of  bond  and  quan- 
ticy.  The  warrants  are  then  carefully  put  in  consecutive  order 
and  lodged  with  the  comptroller  of  accounts  in  his  private  office, 
until  the  close  of  the  quarter.  The  locker's  order  was  issued  for 
the  delivery  of  the  goods,  which,  when  delivered,  is  signed  and 
dated  by  the  locker  and  returned  to  the  clerk  of  the  warrant  book, 
who  examines  it  by  the  book  to  see  that  no  alteration  has  been 
made  since  it  was  isAed;  and  having  ticljed  it  off,  it  is  put  away 
in  the  bundles  kept  in  consecutive  order  numerically,  and  depos- 
ited in  a  document  room  up  stairs  for  that  purpose.  The  warrant, 
at  the  close  of  the  subsequent  quarter,  is  placed  in  the  ship's  book,, 
previously  put  away  in  alphabetical  order  according  to  years.  So 
far  for  the  home  consumption  transaction.  The  merchant,  wishing 
to  export"  a  portion  of  the  cargo,  takes  out  a  locker's  order, 
with  all  the  same  particulars  as  that  for  home  consumption,  which 
is  examined  by  the  clerk  of  the  register  as  before,  and  having  pro- 
duced a  bond  note  to  the  clerk,  in  proof  that  bond  has  been  given, 
as  per  form  B,  and  made  out  the  necessary  documents,  consisting 
of  a  red  bill  and  cocket,  for  the  searchers,  the  order  is  then  en- 
tered in  the  export  book  kept  by  the  warehouse  keeper,  and  is  is- 
sued for  the  delivery  of  the  goods  from  the  warehouse;  which  be- 
ing done,  the  document  is  returned,  duly  signed  by  the  searcher 


239 


[32] 


that  the  goods  are  shipped,  and  the  clerk  then  posts  the  same  in 
his  register,  and  passes  the  order  to  the  clerk  of  the  R.  R.  D., 
who  posts  it;  and  the  following  morning,  as  before,  calls  6ver 
with  the  warehouse  keeper's  register,  and  the  export  order  and 
bond  note  are  put  away  in  the  book,  the  same  as  the  home  con- 
sumption warrant.  Another  species  of  delivery  is  ^^removal  coast- 
wise" under  bond.  A  bond,  as  per  form  C,  having  been  given, 
and  a  bond  note,  duly  signed  hy  the  collector  and  comptroller, 
having  been  forwarded  to  the  warehouse  keeper's  clerk,  the  mer- 
chant makes  a  request  to  be  allowed  to  ^^remove  under  bond,"  by  a 
particular  conveyance — either  sailing  vessel,  steamer,  or  railway — 
certain  goods,  which  he  enumerates,  stating  quantity  and  descrip- 
tion of  goods,  name  of  importing  vessel,  from  whence,  date  of  im- 
porting bond,  and  name  of  bonder;  and  also  the  name  of  the  con- 
signee at  the  port  of  destination. 

This  request  is  recorded  in  a  book  termed  goods  removed 
coastwise  under  bond,"  and  passed  to  the  despatch  clerk  in  order 
when  he  has  received  the  locker's  order,  which  has  been  previously 
issued,  under  the  usual  form  of  being  made  out  by  the  merchant's 
clerk,  and  examined  by  the  clerk  of  the  register,  who  passes 
it  to  the  clerk  who  keeps  the  export  book,  and  inserts  it  in  the 
same  as  an  export  order.  The  coasting  order  is  then  issued  for  the 
delivery  of  the  goods,  which,  when  done  and  signed  by  the  locker, 
is  returned  to  the  despatch  clerk,  who  immediately  proceeds  to 
make  out  the  letter  of  advice  to  the  port  whither  the  goo^  are 
sent,  as  per  example,  which  is  forwarded  by  the  collector  per  post 
after  being  first  entered  in  the  book  of  ^^goods  removed  coastwise 
under  bon^  and  signed  by  the  comptroller  of  accounts."  To  this 
letter,  when  the  goods  are  duly  landed  and  entered  at  the  port  of 
destination,  a  certificate  is  returned  to  this  port  to  that  effect,  and 
thus  cancels  the  removal  bond. 

The  coasting  locker's  order  is  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  clerk 
of  the  register  to  be  posted,  and  is  afterwards  posted  by  the  clerk 
of  the  R.  R.  D.,  the  account  being  called  over  the  next  morning, 
as  before,  with  the  warehouse  keeper's  register.  It  is  then  put 
away  with  the  bond  note  in  the  landing  book,  where  all  documents 
relating  to  the  cargo  ar«  all  collected  in  due  course  until  the  whole 
cargo  is  delivered.  The  clerk  of  the  register  adds  up  his  totals  in 
his  register,  and  balances  the  account  with  the  quantity  entered 
from  the  landing  book  on  his  debit  sid©,  and  then  close?  the  ac- 
count; he  then  makes  an  entry  of  his  having  done  so  in  a  book 
called  accounts  closed,"  from  which  the  messenger  selects  the 
various  books  from  the  cupboards  where  they  are  alphabetically 
put  away  according  to  years,  for  the  purpose  of  being  finally 

jerqued  or  examined."  This  consists  of  having  the  book  and 
documents  compared  with  the  account  in  the  warehouse  keeper's 
register  and  the  totals  all  checked.  The  book  and  documents  tied 
up  and  docketed  are  put  away  for  ever. 

The  system  of  general  bond  is  decidedly  the  most  advantageous, 
inasmuch  as  one  person  gives  bond  for  receiving  and  delivering  all 
goods  in  that  particular  warehouse,  and  any  deficiency  on  any  goods 


[32] 


240 


that  may  appear,  he  alone  is  responsible  and  pays;  he  also  em- 
ploys his  own  men  to  do  the  work  in  the  warehouse,  and  strangers 
are,  therefore,  not  admitted,  and  less  chance  of  pilfering.  Sepa- 
rate bonds  give  much  room  for  all  kinds  of  irregularity;  deficiencies 
are  only  paid  by  the  separate  bonder  who  also  employs  his  own 
men,  thus  the  warehouse  and  the' goods  are  exposed  to  all  descrip- 
tion of  persons  who  have  no  interest  in  any  other  than  their  own 
property,  and  so  long  as  they  get  possession  of  the  same,  leave  the 
warehouse  in  a  state  of  confusion  from  uastowing  other  persons' 
goods  to  get  at  their  own.  This  is  greatly  the  practice  at  this  port, 
and  much  to  be  deplored,  but  in  vain  sought  to  be  changed  as  per- 
sons are  bigoted  to  their  old  system. 

The  government  has  the  entire  supervision  of  all  bonded  ware- 
houses, and  can  enter  them  by  their  officers  at  any  time,  and  order 
the  stowage  and  other  proper  arrangements  by  their  surveyor  of 
warehouses,  specially  so  appointed. 

The  portion  of  imports  nat  warehoused  at  all,  is  that  which  is 
free,  and  that  which  is  duty  paid  from  ship  on  first  reporting  the 
vessels,  and  entering  the  goods. 

The  coastwise  regulations  are  already  stated,  and  the  form  of  the 
return  certificate  is  herewith,  and  relates  either  to  a  first,  second, 
or  third  removal  from  port  to  port. 

The  stamp  duty  on  bonds  is  55.;  but  5*.  6d.  is  charged  to  the 
merchant  by  the  clerk  of  the  bonds,  in  consideration  of  paper  and 
prinji^g. 

Goods  for  export  are  sent  down  under  charg:e  of  an  officer  to  be 
shipped,  which  officer  is  solely  under  the  control  of  the  customs. 

The  number  of  officers  and  clerks  employed  in  the  warehouse  de- 
r.artment  is  forty,  consisting  of  comptroller  of  accounts;  three 
Tirarehouse  keepers;  thirty-six  clerks,  twelve  for  comptroller  of  ac- 
counts, and  twenty-four  for  warehouse  keepers. 

Registrar's  office,  conducted  by  two  registrars,  and  two  clerks. 


O. 

Regulations  prescribing  the  description  of  buildings,  ^c,  which 
may  be  used  as  bonded  warehouses  in  Great  Britain,  also  quan- 
tities of  each  article  allowed  to  be  taken  as  sample  without  pay- 
ment of  duties. 

1.  That  where  bonded  goods  are  allowed  to  be  deposited  in  any 
part  of  a  stock  of  warehouses,  the  whole  stack  be  in  the  occupation 
and  under  the  locks  of  the  crown,  and  in  the  custody  of  the  reve- 
nue officers;  that  the  tiles  or  slates  of  each  roof  be  well  pointed 
internally,  the  sky  lights  stopped  up  and  the  rafters  ceiled,  and 
when  the  floors  are  continued  over  a  gateway,  that  the  same  also 
be  ceiled;  that  a  sufficient  number  of  windows  be  made  in  the 
building  to  supersede  the  necessity  of  using  candles,  such  windows 
to  be  secured  by  stout  hammered  iron  bars,  deeply  fixed  in  the 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


241 


brick-work,  and  on  the  ground  floor  by  shutters  made  to  open  in- 
ternally with  strong  hinges  thereon,  and  a  cross  bar  to  each  win- 
dow in  addition  to  the  iion  bars  already  mentioned;  that  all  win- 
dows opening  into  private  yards  or  over  other  buildings,  and 
all  superfluous  windows  together  with  the  fire-places  or  chimnies 
be  stopped  up  with  brick-work  as  solid  as  the  walls  themselves; 
that  all  the  entrances  into  such  warehouses  have  strong  doors  fur- 
nished with  screw  staples  and  hasps,  each  screw  to  be  secured  by 
a  nut  and  rivetted  on  the  inside,  to  prevent  the  fastenings  from  be- 
ing drawn,  and  that  such  entrance  doors  open  into  the  street  or 
other  public  way,  so  as  to  be  at  all  times  accessible  for  the  easy 
examination  of  the  locks  and  fastenings,  without  passing  through 
other  doors  or  gates;  that  the  capstans  of  such  warehouses  be  sep- 
arated from  the  rooms  by  well  boarded  partitions  nailed  on  the  in- 
side; that  when  any  such  warehouse  is  submitted  for  approval,  the 
officer  in  addition  to  the  foregoing  particulars  do  also  report, 
whether  there  are  any  windows  in  the  adjoining  premises  which  over- 
look the  roof  of  the  warehouse  proposed;  and  if  so,  that  he  do 
transmit  a  plan  of  the  building,  shewing  its  relative  situation  with 
other  premises,  and  state  how  far  in  his  opinion,  the  security  of  it 
is  thereby  diminished. 

2.  That  warehouses,  to  be  entitled  to  the  privilege  of  extra  secu- 
rity, be  put  in  a  perfect  state  of  repair,  and  secured  to  the  satis- 
faction of  the  proper  officers  of  this  revenue  in  the  manner  follow- 
ing, viz:  that  a  lock  be  placed  on  the  inside  of  every  working  door 
of  every  window  on  the  ground  floor,  and  that  of  every  window 
looking  into  a  private  yard;  that  the  entrance  door  be  of  uniform 
thickness,  and  also  the  window  shutters  and  working  doors  on  the 
ground  floor;  such  doors  and  shutters  to  be  likewise  lined  with 
sheet  iron,  or  strapped  with  iron;  that  in  such  warehouses,  where 
the  staircases  are  separated  from  the  wooden  partitions,  the  parti- 
;ions  to  be  strapped  with  iron  in  such  a  manner  as  to  enable  the 
Dfficer  to  discover  whether  improper  access  has  been  had  to  the 
rooms;  every  aperture  or  window  to  have  iron  wire-work  not  ex- 
ceeding two  inches  in  the  diameter  or  square  affixed  thereto,  by 
jeing  worked  into  the  brickwork,  in  addition  to  the  iron  bars  or 
ijhutters;  and  that  no  door  be  allowed  to  open  into  a  private  yard, 
mless  the  front  or  open  street  light  be  insufficient  to  light  the 
oom. 

3.  Vaults. — That  a  brick  arch  be  continued  to  the  entrance  of 
luch  vaults;  that  there  be  strong  doors  at  such  entrances,  furnished 
ivith  screw  staples  and  hasps,  and  secured  in  the  same  manner  as 
he  fastenings  to  the  doors  of  the  bonding  warehouses;  that  such 
;ntrance  doors  be  immediately  from  a  public  street  or  lane,  so  that 
fhe  officers  may  at  all  times  be  enabled  to  approach  the  same  for 
ihe  purpose  of  examining  the  locks  and  fastenings  thereon,  without 
lassing  through  any  other  door  or  gates;  that  the  holes  for  the  ad- 
mission of  air  into  such  warehouses  and  vaults  do  not  exceed  nine 

^ncbes  in  diameter,  and  be  secured  by  two  stout  cross  iron  bars, 
leeply  fixed  in  the  brickwork;  and  that  when  such  warehouses  and 
aults  are  offered  for  approval,  the  officers  report  whether  there  be 
16 


242 


Ex.  Doc.  N.  57. 


any,  and  what  air-holes  or  windows  therein,  and  describe  the  size 
of  them,  and  by  what  means  they  are  secured. 

4.  Yards. — That  such  yards  be  surrounded  by  solid  brick  walls, 
of  at  least  twelve  feet  in  height,  coped  with  mortar  and  broken 
glass;  or  a  close  wooden  fence,  or  an  open  woollen  fence,  with 
intervals  not  exceeding  one  inch,  of  the  height  of  twelve  feet;  that 
the  entrance  gates  into  such  yards  open  into  a  street  or  public  way, 
and  be  always  accessible  to  the  officers,  for  the  purpose  of  exam- 
ining the  locks  and  fastenings  thereor,  without  passing  through  any 
other  gates  or  doors  whatever;  that  such  entrance  gates  be  strong, 
and  the  fastenings  thereon  secured  in  the  same  manner  as  the  fast- 
enings of  the  entrance  doors  to  the  bonding  warehouses;  that  such 
yards  be  not  overlooked  by  any  windows  in  the  adjoining  premises 
so  contiguous  as  to  form  anj  liability  of  danger  to  the  revenue. 

5.  Ponds  for  iimher. — That  such  ponds  have  a  strong  wooden 
fence,  ten  feet  in  height,  erected  on  the  top  of  the  banks  as  their 
boundary,  and  the  entrance  thereof  secured  by  stout  booms,  with 
proper  fastenings  for  the  queen's  lock. 

Quantities  allowed  to  be  drawn  as  samples. 


Alkali  or  Barilla  5  pounds  per  five  tons. 

Aloes  2  ounces  per  package. 

Argol  8    do    do 

Arrow  root  c....8    do   ,  do 

Balsam  copaive  2    do    do 

Bark,  Peruvian  4    do    do 

Bark,  other  8    do    do 

Brimstone,  rough  2  pounds  per  five  tons. 

Brimstone,  in  rolls  1    do   per  package. 

Cassia  8  ounces   do 

Cantharides  2    do    do 

Capers  4    do    do 

Cochineal  2    do    do 

Cochineal  dust  2    do    do 

Cocoanut  oil  \  pint  per  cask. 

Coloquintida  2  ounces  per  package. 

Coculus  Indicus  1    do    do 

Cream  tartar  1  pound   do 

Currants  8  ounces   do 

Essences  1    do    do 

Feathers  4    do   per  lot  of  six  bags. 

Galls  ..1  pound  ......        do  do 

Gentian  8  ounces   do  do 

Ginger  8    do    do  do 

•  Granilla,  see  cochineal. 

Gum  arable  1  pound  per  package. 

Gum  Senegal  8  ounces   do 

Gum  tragacanth  2    do    do 

Gum,  other  4    do    do 

Honev  8    do    do 


fl 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  243 

J^^^P  '  1  ounce   per  package. 

Iiidigo  4    do    do 

Isinglass  4    do    do 

Lemon  juice  i  pint   do 

Lac  dye  1  ounce   do 

Lead,  black  1  pound    do 

Lemon  peel  8  ounces  each  entry. 

Liquorice  juice  4    do   per  package. 

Liquorice  root  4    do    do 

Madder,  manufactured  4    do    do 

Madder  root  4    tJo 

Oil,  almonds  1    do    do 

Oil,  anniseed  1    do    do 

Oil,  juniper  ..1    do   do 

^^h  olive  1  pint  per  cask. 

0;l,palm  1    do    do 

Oil,  rosemary  1  ounce  per  package. 

Oil,  spike  1    do   ^  do 

Oil,  thyme  1    do    do 

Orange  peel  4    do    do 

Orchelia  c,...2    do    do 

Orris  root  ...4    do    do 

Oil  of  bay  1    do    do 

Radix,  Contrayurac  1    do    do 

Rad^x,  Galanga  2  pounds  per  five  tons. 

Radix,  Ipecacuana  1  ounce  .per  package. 

Radix,  Seneca  1    do    do 

^^epper  1    do   per  bag. 

Pi-y^ento  2    do    do 

I^aisins  1    do   per  mark. 

I^hubarb  1    do   per  package. 

^^ice  8    do    do 

Saffron  i    do    do 

^^g^  2  pounds  per  five  tons. 

S^l^P  1  ounce   per  package, 

Sarsaparilla  1    do    do 

Saltpetre  56  pounds  each  mark. 

Seed,  anniseed  1  ounce   per  package. 

Seed,  clover  ....2    do    do 

eed,  caraway  ..2    do    do 

3eed,  lac  1    do    do 

enna  1    do    do 

ilk,  raw  2    do    do 

Silk,  thrown  1    do    do 

'  Silk,  waste  2    do    do 

Smalts  1    do    do 

^ugar  2    do   per  bag. 

4    do   per  boxnotover5cwt. 

8    do   per  box  if  over  5  cwt, 

1^   per  hhd.  or  tierce. 

8  ounces  per  chest. 


344 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Sugar  12  ounces  per  barrel. 

Molasses  8    do      ......per  hhd.  or  cask. 

Sumac  1  pound  per  lot  of  10  bags, 

Seedj  mustard  1  ounce   per  package. 

Tallow  4  pounds  per  lot  of  10  pkgs. 

Tapioca  .....1  ounce  per  package. 

Tumeric  2  pounds  per  five  tons. 

Valerian  3    do   per  lot. 

Wax,  bees  4  ounces  per  package. 

Wine  ^  pint. 

Wool    1  pound  ..... .per  package. 

Mohair  yarn  8  ounces   do 

Pearl  shells  7  pounds  per  lot  of  10  pkgs. 

Vermicelli  1  ounce  per  package. 

Any  article  not  enumerated,  a  quantity,  in  'which  the  duty  shall 
not  exceed  six  pence  sterling,  may  be  allowed  to  be  taken  from 
each  package. 

Sugar  chests  under  5  cwt.  |  pound. 

5  and  under  8    do    1  pound, 
above  8    do  Impounds. 


P. 

Extracts  from  the  custom'' s  laws  of  Belgium ^  relating  to  the  ware- 
housing of  dutiable  imports. 

Lacken,  July  7,  1847. 

Leopold,  King  of  the  Belgians  — 
To  all  present  and  to  come,  greeting: 

Having  seen  the  67th  article  of  the   constitution — having  seen 
the  law  of  the  4th  of  March,  1846,  (VIoniteur,  No.  64,)  concerning 
warehouses,  and  especially  articles  15,  19,  22,  31,  and  61 — wishing; 
to  regulate  the  execution  of  this  law,  upon  the  proposition  of  our 
minister  of  finance — we  have  decreed,  and  do  decree: 

The  law  of  the  4th  of  March,  1846,  concerning  warehouses,  shall 
He  executed  conformably  with  the  provisions  of  the  general  regu-' 
ations,  the  tenor  whereof  is  as  follows:  ^ 

CHAPTER  r.  r 

Warehouses  in  general. 

Art.  1.  A  vv^arehouse  is  a  place  of  dep.osite  for  imported  g^ods. 
[t  is  like  unto  a  foreign  territory  in  respect  to  the  indebtedness  for 
ittties. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


245 


There  are  four  kinds  of  warehouses: 

The  free  warehouse; 

The  public  warehouse; 

The  private  warehouse;  (particulier.) 

The  constructive  warehouse,  (fitlif.) 

The  administration  is  not  responsible,  under  any  circura^tances, 
for  goods  deposited,  unless  they  be  damaged  or  lost  in  consequence 
of  the  acknowledged  negligence  of  its  agents.  . 

Art.  2.  Duties  arise  from  importation. 

Except  in  the  cases  provided  for  by  law,  duties  are  determined 
only  at  the  moment  when  the  goods  are  declared  on  going  out  of 
the  warehouse,  either  for  consumption  or  for  transit.  The  goods 
are  subject  to  the  laws  and  tariffs  then  in  force. 

While  deposited,  which  may  be  for  an  unlimited  period,  the 
goods  serve  as  a  pledge  for  the  eventual  recovery  of  the  duties. 

Art.  3.  The  transportation  of  goods  from  abroad  to  the  ware-' 
house  constitutes  an  importation,  of  which  the  termination  is  sus- 
pended during  the  duration  of  the  deposite. 

The  importation  is  continued  when  the  goods  are  removed  from 
the  warehouse. 

Art.  4.  No  goods  are  admitted  in  the  warehouse  if,  at  the  time 
of  importation,  they  have  not  been  declared  for  this  destination. 

In  like  manner,  no  goods  are  withdrawn  from  the  warehouse 
without  previous  declaration. 

Except  in  the  cases  provided  for  in  articles  28,  33,  31,  sec.  3, 
37  and  39,  sec.  2,  of  the  law,  the  declaration  is  made  conformable 
with  chapter  xiii.  of  the  general  law  of  the  26th  of  August,  1822, 
(Journal  Officiel,  No.  38.)  It  gives  to  the  administration  the  right 
to  verify  the  goods,  and,  if  necessary,  to  seize  and  pre-purchase 
them. 

Art.  5.  With  the  exception  made  by  article  354,  goods  tariffed 
ad  valorem  are  declared  when  they  leave  the  warehouse,  according 
to  their  then  value  in  the  kingdom. 

Art.  6.  Depositors  may,  on  withdrawing  their  goods  from  the 
warehouse,  claim  the  benefit  of  articles  125  and  150  of  the  genera] 
law. 

They  can  also,  but  only  in  what  concerns  the  free  and  public 
warehouses,  demand  the  ^application  of  article  122  of  the  general 
faw,  and  of  articles  5  a'ld  7  of  the  tariff  law,  dated  the  26th  of 
August,  1822,  (Journal  Ofhciel,  No.  39.) 

But  the  benefit  of  articles  5  and  7,  aforesaid,  is  not  accorded. 

a.  When  verificatiou  has  not  been  made  of  the  whole  quantity 
of  goods  making  up  the  lot  appraised  on  being  enterecj  in  the 
warehouse,  and  when,  as  to  liquids,  the  casks  containing  them  have 
not  suffered  leakage. 

b.  When  there  has  been  change  in  the  packing  pending  the  de- 
posite. 

c.  When  the  goods  result  from  a  partial  cession  in  the  same 
warehouse,  or  from  transfer  from  another  warehouse. 

Art.  7.  In  the  private  and  constructive  warehouses,  the  appraise- 


246 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


meni  serves  as  a  basis  for  the  eventual  recovery  of  the  duties.  It 
is  invariably  fixed  at  the  entry  into  the  warehouse,  and  increased 
in  case  of  overplus. 

Duties  are  due  upon  articles  entered  and  missing. 

Art.  8.  The  rule  established  by  the  laws  in  force  concerning 
importation,  exportation,  and  transit,  is  applicable  to  the  despatch 
of  goods  by  warehouse. 

Transit  through  the  warehouse  can  take  place  only  upon  the 
offices  of  importation  and  exportation  being  cognizant  of  the  tran- 
sit. 

On  leaving  the  w^arehouse,  the  provisions  of  acts  128,  §  2,  and 
137  of  the  general  law  are  observed. 

Also,  the  entry  and  removal  of  goods  take  place  within  the 
periods  fixed  by  the  documents,  and  without  any  other  interruption 
than  that  occasioned  by  shutting  up  the  storehouses. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Of  the  free  Warehouse. 

Section  I. — Definition. 

Art.  9.  The  free  warehouse  is  an  inclosure  completely  isolated, 
containing  one  or  more  docks  for  lading  and  unlading,  and  store- 
houses. It  may  be  established  at  Antwerp,  Bruges,  Ghent,  and 
Ostend. 

The  localities  and  docks  appropriated  to  this  destination  by  the 
corporate  authority,  are  appropriated  according  to  the  indications 
of  the  minister,  who  prescribes  the  mode  of  walling  in  the  enclo- 
sure, and  determines  the  number  and  position  of  the  issues. 

Tlc  warehouse  will  be  opened  by  royal  decree,  as  soon  as  the 
enclosure  and  localities  therein  shall  have  been,  by  the  corporate 
authority,  put  at  the  disposal  of  the  administration  in  the  condi- 
tions of  security  required. 

Section  II. — Administrative   committee ;  its  institution   and  its 

functions. 

Art.  10.  There  is  appointed  by  royal  decree,  an  administrative 
committee  composed 

Of  a  member  of  the  corporate  authority; 

Of  two  members  of  the  chamber  of  commerce. 

They  are  appointed  by  the  king,  upon  the  proposition  of  the 
Zflinister,  and  from  a  triple  list  of  candidates  presented  by  the  go- 
Ternor  of  the  province. 

The  director  of  direct  contributions,  customs,  and  excise,  or  at 
Ostend,  the  inspector  of  the  residence,  complete  with  the  superin- 
tendent, the  number  of  the  members  of  the  committee. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


247 


Art.  11.  The  duration  of  the  functions  of  the  three  members 
appointed  by  the  king  is  fixed  at  three  years. 

Every  year  one  member  retires;  he  is  replaced  in  the  manner  in- 
dicated in  the  preceding  article,  and  may  be  re  appointed.  The 
retirement  of  the  members  comprised  in  the  first  appointment  is 
determined  by  ballot. 

Provision  is  also  made,  in  the  same  manner,  for  places  becoming 
vacated  in  consequence  of  death,  resignation,  or  other  cause;  in 
this  case  the  member  newly  appointed  takes  the  post  of  service  of 
him  whom  he  replaces. 

Art.  12.  The  members  of  the  committee  exercise  their  functions 
gratuitously. 

They  meet  regularly  at  least  once  every  fortnight,  and  oftener 
if  the  exigencies  of  the  service  require  it. 

They  appoint  from  among  themselves  a  president  and  vice  presi- 
dent by  a  majority  of  votes. 

The  president  and  vice  president  are  appointed  for  one  year  only. 
They  are  re-eligible. 

The  president  regulates  the  special  meetings  and  issues  the 
notices  to  that  end. 

The  committee  appoints,  independent  of  its  body,  a  secretary, 
charged  with  keeping  the  journal  of  its  deliberations  and  the  cor- 
respondence.   He  has  only  a  consultative  voice. 

Art.  13.  No  resolution  can  be  passed  by  the  committee  if  there 
be  not  at  least  three  members  present. 

Every  resolution  passed  at  a  session  in  which  the  director,  or,  at 
Ostend,  the  inspector  of  the  residence  was  not  present,  is  commu- 
nicated to  him,  ar.  d  is  not  carried  into  execution  unless,  within 
twenty-four  hours  after  the  communication,  it  does  not  provoke 
a  new  deliberation  upon  the  same  object  for  the  following  session. 
The  resolutions  are  signed  by  the  president  and  countersigned  by 
the  secretary. 

If  there  be  a  division  of  votes,  that  of  the  president  is  prepon- 
derative. ' 

Art.  14.  The  committee  submits  to  the  minister  for  his  approval 
its  regulations  for  interior  order. 

These  regulations  determine  specially — 
1st.  The  days  and  hours  of  the  sessions. 

2d.  The  number  and  the  duties  of  the  agents  attached  to  the 
establishment  by  the  committee. 

3d.  The  order  of  interior  labor  for  the  custody  and  superin- 
tendence of  the  buildings  and  storehouses. 

Art.  15.  The  committee  delegates,  for  the  period  fixed  by  it, 
one  or  more  of  its  members  charged  specially  to  co-operate  with 
the  superintendent  in  the  daily  surveillance  of  the  warehouse. 

Art.  16.  The  committee  watches  over  the  safe-keeping  of  the 
buildings  and  of  the  enclosure ;  it  participates  in  the  internal 
administration  of  the  warehouse,  in  order  to  insure  to  commerce 
the  advantages  and  facilities  compatible  with  th«  action  and  sur- 
Teillance  of  the  custom-house. 


248 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


It  orders  the  special  regulations  of  the  warehouse,  which  deter- 
mine within  the  limits  of  the  law — 

1st.  The  measures  of  police  and  interior  order  applicable  in  the 
enclosure  and  in  the  warehouse; 

2d.  The  tariff  of  storage  rates; 

3d.  The  nomenclature  of  goods,  the  entry  of  which  into  the 
warehouse  is  interdicted; 

4th.  The  minimum,  by  kinds,  of  the  quantities  of  goods  per- 
mitted to  go  out  for  consumption; 

5th.  The  storing  and  storage  of  the  goods  in  the  store-houses; 

6th.  The  putting  on  and  preservation  of  labels; 

7th.  The  taking  away  of  samples,  and  the  mode  of  recovering 
the  State  duties  upon  those  removed  from  the  enclosure; 

8lh.  The  examination  and  assorting  of  goods; 

9th.  Interdiction  to  expose  the  goods; 

10th.  Changing  the  packing  cases. 

This  regulation,  clothed  with  the  royal  sanction,  is  published  at 
the  same  time  as  the  decree  by  which  the  warehouse  is  declared 
to  be  opened. 

Art.  17.  In  cases  where  the  resolutions  of  the  committee  which 
concern  the  storage  rates,  or  which  interest  the  treasury,  com- 
merce, or  navigation,  shall  be  contrary  to  the  regulations  in  force, 
they  shall  not  be  carried  into  execution  until  they  shall  have  been 
approved  by  royal  decree. 

They  are  submitted  to  the  judgment  of  the  chamber  of  com- 
merce, and  presented  by  the  minister  for  the  approbation  of  the 

Art.  18.  The  committee  propose  to  the  minister  the  increase  of 
the  storehouse  guard,  and  of  the  other  necessary  agents. 

Art.  19.  The  storehouses  of  the  free  warehouse  of  Antwerp 
remain  the  property  of  the  State. 

The  fixed  or  incidental  expenses  attendant  on  this  establishment, 
and  consequently  those  resulting  therefrom,  either  for  the  safe- 
keeping of  the  vessels  and  of  the  enclosure,  or  for  the  improve- 
ments judged  necessary,  and  decreed  by  the  committee,  are  pre- 
viously submitted  to  the  minister. 

They  are  debited  upon  the  credit  opened  for  this  object  in  the 
budget  of  the  finance  department,  and  liquidated  by  the  court  of 
accounts. 

Section  III. — Guard  and  surveillance  of  the  warehouse. 

Art.  20.  The  administration  of  direct  contributions,  customs, 
and  excise,  has  in  charge  the  protection  of  the  warehouse.  It 
exercises  its  surveillance  with  the  concurrence  of  the  administra- 
tive committee. 

Art.  21.  The  committee  has,  concurrently  with  the  superin- 
tendent, the  direction  and  internal  surveillance  of  the  warehouse  ; 
exercises  both  in  the  limits  of  the  administrative  government. 
He  gives  the  necessary  effect  to  the  resolutions  of  the  committee, 
and  suspends  the  execution  of  those  to  which  the  director,  or,  at 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


249 


Ostend,  the  inspector  de  la  residence  was  opposed  in  the  council. 
In  the  latter  case,  the  difficulty  is  submitted  to  the  minister  in  the 

ordinary  manner.  .  u  j  * 

The  guard  of  the  storehouse,  and  other  agfnts  attached  to  the 

establishment,  are  placed  under  the  orders  of  the  superintendent, 

and  receive  fiom  him  their  instructions. 
Art.  22.  The  superintendent  authorizes  specially: 

1.  Admission  into  and  going  out  of  the  enclosure  of  persons  for- 
eign to  the  administration; 

2.  The  taking  away  of  samples; 

3.  Deviations  from  the  regulations  which  particular  circumstan- 
ces may  require  for  the  interest  of  depositors. 

Art.  23.  The  guard  of  the  storehouse  is  specially  charged  to  su- 
perintend the  stowing,  manipulation  and  preservation  of  the  goods, 
and  the  putting  on  and  preservation  of  labels. 

Some  clerks  of  the  custom-house  are  supplied  to  him  as  ware- 
house men,  to  assist  in  this  service,  and  to  guard  especially  each 
of  the  storehouses  of  the  warehouse.  They  confopm  to  the  instruc- 
tions he  gives  them,  without,  however,  derogating  from  the  orders 
emanating  from  the'superintendent  or  his  superiors  in  rank. 

Art.  24.  The  keys  of  the  doors  of  the  warehouse  and  of  the  en- 
closure are  confided  to  the  superintendent;  those  of  the  storehouses 
are  confided  to  the  storehouse  guard. 

Art.  25.  The  issues  from  the  enclosure  are  guarded  by  the  per- 
sons from  the  custom-house.  The  surveillance  of  the  docks,  ships, 
storehouses,  as  well  as  of  all  the  operations  effected  within  the 
limits  of  the  enclosure  and  its  dependencies,  is  confided  to  the  per- 
sons from  the  custom-house.  Sentinels,  stationed  outside  around 
the  enclosure,  defend  its  approaches. 

Art.  26.  One  or  more  police  officers  are  attached  to  each  free 
warehouse,  in  order  to  attest  crimes  and  offences,  and  infringements 
of  the  laws  of  public  order,  which  may  be  committed  within  the 
enclosure. 

They  may  be  chosen  from  among  the  custom-house  clerks. 

The  decrees  of  delegation  fix  their  place  of  residence. 

They  take,  before  the  tribunal  of  first  instance  of  the  arron- 
dissement  of  their  residence,  the  following  oath: 

I  swear  fidelity  to  the  king,  obedience  to  the  constitution  and 
laws  of  the  Belgian  people,  and  to  execute  faithfully  the  duties 
entrusted  to  me."  .  . 

Their  powers,  however,  are  not  circumscribed  within  the  arron- 
dissement  of  this  tribunal. 

In  case  of  change  of  residence,  the  act  of  taking  the  oath  shall 
be  transcribed  and  si'gned  in  the  record  of  the  tribunal  of  the  first 
instance,  within  whose  jurisdiction  is  the  place  of  his  new  resi- 
dence. 

Art.  27.  The  agents  qualified  in  the  preceding  article  exercise 
the  functions  of  police  officers,  auxiliary  to  the  king's  attorney, 
within  the  enclosure  of  the  wprehouse. 

They  have,  for  the  investigation  of  crimes  and  offences  commit- 
ted in  this  enclosure,  equal  and  even  superior  authority  to  all  other 


250 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


police  officers,  except  the  king's  attorney  and  the  judge  of  instruc- 
tion. 

Section  IV. — Designation  of  the  goods  admitted  or  excluded. 

Art.  28.  With  the  exception  noted  in  the  11th  article  of  the  law, 
no  goods  are  admitted  into  the  warehouse,  if  they  are  not  sound 
and  of  merchantable  quality. 

Art.  29.  The  free  warehouse,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  other  ware- 
houses, receives  coarse  salt,  and  tke  goods  prohibited  to  entry  and 
at  the  same  time  to  transit. 

The  following  articles  are  excluded  from  the  free  warehouse: 

1.  Gunpowder; 

2.  Living  animals; 

3.  Goods  specified  on  this  point  in  the  special  regulation. 
Arms  and  munitions  of  war  are  deposited  only  upon  special  au- 
thority from  the  minister  of  finance. 

•  With  regard  to  goods  excluded,  such  action  is  taken  as  is  pre- 
*  scribed  in  the  22d  section  of  the  present  chapter. 

Section  V. — Movement  of  goods  on  entry  into  tke  warehouse. 

Art.  30.  The  entry  of  goods  into  the  warehouse  takes  place: 

1.  ]]y  direct  entry  importation  by  sea; 

2:  By  direct  entry  importation  by  the  State  railroad; 

3.  By  transfer  from  a  public  warehouse,  attached  to  the  State 
railroad  by  a  branch,  conformably  with  article  33. 

Art.  31.  Direct  importation  by  sea,  destined  for  a  free  ware- 
house, takes  place  without  previous  discharge  on  introduction  into 
the  enclosure,  upon  a  general  declaration  made  in  the  first  office  of 
entry,  in  conformity  with  the  general  law  of  the  26th  August,  1822. 
The  vessels  are  plumbed  and  conveyed  into  the  enclosure,  and  no 
portion  of  the  cargo  can,  up  to  that  period,  receive  any  other  des- 
tination. Entries  by  the  inland  waters  of  Holland  are  similar  to 
those  made  by  sea. 

Art.  32.  Direct  importation  by  the  State  railroad,  destined  for 
a  free  warehouse  joined  to  this  road  by  a  branch,  takes  place  in 
general  without  discharge  or  verification,  previous  to  the  introduc- 
tion into  the  enclosure,  upon  the  transmission  to  the  first  office  of 
entry  of  the  bill  of  lading,  or  the  duplicate  of  the  car  lading,  in  con- 
formity with  the  decree  of  the  5th  June,  1845,  (Moniteur,  No.  158.) 
The  cars  are  sent  to  the  warehouse  with  the  formalities  prescribed 
by  this  decree,  and  no  part  of  their  lading  can,  up  to  this  time,  re- 
ceive any  other  destination. 

Art.  33.  The  transfer  into  a  free  warehouse  of  goods  coming 
from  a  public  warehouse  joined  to  the  State  railroad  by  a  branch, 
only  takes  place  upon  the  special  authority  of  the  minister.  It  is 
done  by  means  of  a  cautionary  passport  delivered  at  the  warehouse, 
whence  it  comes  in  the  manner  indicated  in  article  97. 

On  entering  the  enclosure,  the  provisions  of  article  44  are  to  be 
conformed  with. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


251 


Section  VI. — Quantities  admitted  to  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  34.  Custocn-house  goods  are  entered  into  the  warehouse  in 
all  quantities. 

Art.  35.  Excise  goods  are  entered  into  the  warehouse  in  quanti- 
ties not  less  than: 

1st.  For  coarse  salt   2,500  kilog. 

^  J    t:,       .     ?  fine   4  hectolitres. 

2d.  r  or  wine  >  o  u 

)  common   y 

3d.  For  alcoholic  liquors  distilled  abroad,  what- 
ever their  strength,  and  liqueurs   3 

4th.  For  coarse  cane  sugar   500  kilog. 

Quantities,  less  than  these  minimum,  are  declared  to  be  for  con- 
sumption, with  payment  of  duties  in  cash. 

Section  VII. — Custom  house  formalities  on  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  36.  On  entry  into  tlie  enclosure,  captains  of  vessels  will 
deliver  to  the  guards  the  triplicate  of  the  general  declaration.  The 
comptroller  will  proceed  to  visit  the  vessel  and  authorize  its  ad- 
mission, if  the  plumbs  are  recognized  to  be  intact. 

In  case  of  alteration  of  the  plumbs,  admission  into  the  enclosure 
is  refused^  the  cargo  is  subject  to  the  ordinary  importation  rule, 
without  prejudice  to  the  eventual  application  of  the  penalties  de- 
termined by  the  general  law.  r nevertheless,  the  d»irector,  or,  at 
Ostend,  the  inspector  de  la  residence,  may  authorize  the  entry  into 
the  enclosure,  if  there  be  no  suspicion  Oi  fraud. 

Art.  37.  Ships  admitted  into  the  enclosure  are  moored  to  the 
places  designated  by  the  comptroller,  in  concert  with  the  port  cap- 
tain.   They  remain  under  plumb,  up  to  the  time  of  unloading. 

Art.  38.  The  duplicate  of  the  general  declaration  is  transmitted 
by  the  receiver  of  the  first  office  of  entry  to  the  superintendent, 
who  transcribes  it  upon  the  discount  register  of  the  general  declara- 
tion which  he  keeps  for  this  purpose. 

The  superintendent  causes  to  be  produced  to  him,  when  the  time 
of  payment  arrives,  the  prescribed  evidences  of  the  flag,  origin, 
direct  or  indirect  transport.  In  like  manner  the  comptroller  causes 
to  be  exhibited  to  him,  in  the  cases  prescribed,  the  ship's  books 
and  papers,  and  requires  from  the  captain  a  sea  report,  proven  by 
deposition,  and  if  necessary  by  interrogation  of  the  crew;  he  makes 
known  to  the  superintendent  the  result  of  his  investigations. 

In  case  of  doubt  as  to  the  sufficiency  or  as  to  the  regularity  of 
the  evidence  produced,  the  director,  or,  at  Ostend,  the  inspector, 
decides  provisionally  and  submits  it  to  superior  authority. 

Art.  39.  Except  in  the  circumstances  provided  for  in  articles  119 
and  126,  the  unlading  takes  place  only  in  virtue  of  the  declaration 
for  entry  into  the  warehouse  prescribed  by  article  48.  The  super- 
intendent, after  being  satisfied  that  it  is  conformable  with  the 
general  declaration,  endorses  upon  it  the  permission  for  unlading. 

Art.  40.  The  declaration  for  entry,  furnished  with  this  permis- 


252 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


sion,  is  sent  to  the  comptroller,  who  appoints  the  proper  persons 
to  assist  in  unlading. 

Art.  41.  The  persons  designated  to  assist  in  unlading  keep  a 
memorandum  book,  in  which  they  note  the  goods  as  fast  as  they 
are  unladen. 

Unless  there  be  suspicion  of  fraud,  they  merely  state  summarily 
the  quantities,  by  number  of  cases,  and  stating  the  marks  and  num- 
bers. But  when  they  have  doubts  as  to  the  kind  of  goods,  they 
open  one  or  more  of  the  cases. 

The  unlading  being  completed,  they  endorse  the  result  upon  the 
declaration  of  entry,  which  is  sent  to  the  storehouse  keeper  charged 
with  the  reception  of  the  goods.  The  latter,  after-having  certified 
to  their  being  stored,  sends  the  declaration  to  the  superintendent 
that  he  may  debit  the  warehouse  charges. 

Art.  42.  Depositors  who  wish  to  reserve  to  themselves  the  right 
to  remove  free  of  duty,  conformably  to  article  92,  the  lees  arising 
from  wines  which  have  become  clarified  in  the  warehouse,  must 
state  in  the  declaration  that  the  wines  to  be  stored  are  muddy^and 
prove  by  the  clerks  the  quantity  of  lees  with  the  limits  of  the  max- 
imum fixed  by  the  9th  article  of  the  law  of  12th  May,  1819,  (Jour- 
nal officiel,  No.  22.) 

Art.  43.  After  the  superintendent  has  certified,  by  the  produc- 
tion of  the  general  declaration  and  the  certificates  of  discharge  en- 
dorsed by  the  clerks  upon  the  declarations  for  entry,  and  the  docu- 
ments required  in  the  cascs  prescribed  in  articles  119  and  126,  that 
this  declaration  is  regularly  in  order,  he  delivers  a  certificate  thereof 
to  the  captain,  in  order  that  on  this  point  nothing  may  prevent  the 
receiver  of  the  customs  from  executing  the  138th  article  of  the 
general  law.  % 

Art.  44.  Upon  entry  into  the  enclosure  by  the  State  railroad, 
the  clerks  escorting  the  train  deliver  to  the  guard  the  precautionary 
passports  received  at  the  first  office  of  entry.  The  comptroller 
verifies  the  condition  of  the  plumbs  or  locks,  and  authorizes  the  ad- 
mission if  ihey  are  recognized  to  be  intact. 

In  case  of  alteration  of  the  plumbs  or  locks,  the  cars  upon  which 
they  have  been  placed  are  detached  from  the  train;  the  entry  into 
the  enclosure  is  denied  them,  and  the  goods  laden  upon  ihein  are 
subject  to  the  ordinary  rules  of  iiuportation,  without  prejudice  to 
#  the  eventful  application  of  the  penalties  contemplated  by  the  gene-  | 
ral  law.  They  remain  under  the  surveillance  of  the  custom-house. 
Nevertheless,  the  director,  or,  at  Ostend,  the  inspector  de  la  resi- 
dence, may  authorize  their  entry  into  thetenclosure,  if  there  be  no 
suspicion  of  fraud. 

The  cars  introduced  into  the  enclosure  are  placed  w4iere  the 
comptroller  may  direct. 

They  remain  plumbed  or  locked  up  until  they  are  unladen. 

Art.  45.  The  superintendent  copies  the  precautionary  passports 
sent  to  him  into  a  register  kept  for  this  purpose.  He  causes  to  be 
exhibited  to  him,  in  cases  requiring  it,  the  proofs  judged  necessary. 

Art.  46.  The  cars  admitted  into  the  enclosure  are  unladen  as 
soon  as  authority  therefor  has  been  obtained,  and  the  goods  in  them 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


253 


are  deposited,  -while  waiting  for  the  documents  necessary  for  their 
removal,  in  a  storehouse  specially  appropriated  to  this  object. 
They  remain  confided  to  the  guardianship  of  the  clerks  of  the  cus- 
tom-house. 

The  goods  temporarily  deposited  in  this  storehouse  are  removed; 
1st.  To  be  definitively  warehoused;. 
2d.  To  be  shipped  abroad; 
3d.  For  consumption. 

In  the  first  case,  admission  into  the  warehouse  takes  place  in 
virtue  of  the  declaration  of  entry  prescribed  by  article  48,  clothed 
with  the  authority  of  the  superintendent,  and  after  compliance  with 
the  formalities  ^required  by  articles  40  and  41.  In  the  two  other 
cases  the  declaration,  the  verification  in  the  special  storehouse,  and 
the  removal,  take  place  in  accordance  with  the  formalities  and  un- 
der the  conditions  required  by  the  laws  in  force. 

Art.  47.  After  the  superintendent  has  certified,  by  the  produc- 
tion of  the  precautionary  passports  and  the  certificates  of  removal, 
that  this  document  is  regularly  in  order,  he  sends  back  to  the  re- 
ceiver of  the  office  of  entry  the  extract  from  the  precautionary 
passport,  jurnished  with  the  formalities  required  by  the  law  of 
transit. 

Section  VIII. — Formalities  on  entry  into  the  storehouses. 

Art.  4S.  No  goods  are  admissible  into  the  storehouses  of  the 
warehouse,  unless  a  request  has  been  made  to  that  effect  by  means 
of  a  declaration  of  entry  sent  to  the  storehouse  guard,  who  in- 
scribes it  upon  a  register  kept  for  that  purpose. 

The  declaration  cannot  be  made  until  the  goods  which  it  relates 
to  are  introduced  into  the  enclosure. 

This  declaration,  which  must  comprise  only  articles  imported  in 
the  same  vessel  or  by  the  same  train  of  cars,  certifies: 

1st.  The  mode  of  importation; 

2d.  The  names  of  the  vessel  and  captain; 

3d.  The  flag; 

4th.  The  place  whence  they  came; 

5th.  The  kinds  of  goods,  and,  if  necessary,  where  produced; 
6th.  The  »umber  and  marks  of  the  cases; 

7th.  The  weight,  number,  measure,  value,  &c.,  of  the  articles, 
according  as  these  indications  are  necessary  for  the  eventual  appli- 
cation of  duties; 

8th.  The  indications^required  by  the  special  regulations  of  the 
warehouse  for  the  application  of  the  tariff  of  storage  rates. 

In  relation  to  goods  subject  to  differential  duties,  the  declaration 
must  mention  if  the  transportation  has  been  direct,  or  if  there  has 
been  any  stoppage;  in  the  latter  case  the  place  of  stoppage  is  to 
be  stated. 

Section  IX. — Disp&nsing  with  storage. 

Art.  49.  If,  after  having  deposited  the  declaration  for  entry  into 
the  warehouse  prescribed  by  the  preceding  article;  the  oVner  dis- 


254 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


pose  of  his  goods,  before  they  are  stored,  for  one  of  the  destina- 
tions mentioned  in  article  126,  the  superintendent  may  dispense  with 
carrying  the  storage  into  effect,  on  the  condition  that  the  fees  for 
fifteen  days'  storage  be  paid. 

Removal  of  goods  in  such  cases  takes  place  in  conformity  with 
the  formalities  indicated  in  the  aforesaid  article  126. 

Section  X. — Position  and  stowage  of  goods  in  the  storehouses. 

Art.  50.  The  storehouse  guard  designates  upon  the  back  of  the 
declaration  of  entry  the  storehouse  in  which  the  c^oods  must  be  de- 
posited. At  the  time  of  the  entry  of  the  goods  fnto  the  ware- 
house he  prescribes  the  mode  of  stowage.  Those  of  the  same  sort, 
but  which  are  subject  to  different  duties  according  to  whence  they 
came  or  their  origin,  the  manner  or  the  flag  of  importation  are  to 
be  put  in  distinct  storehouses,  as  far  as  the  extent  of  room  permits. 

In  case  the  storehouses  are  filled,  the  storehouse  guard  so  cer- 
tifies on  the  back  for  the  declaration  for  entry,  and  the  surplus  is 
disposed  of,  as  prescribed  in  the  21st  section  of  the  present 
chapter. 

Art.  51.  Goods  damaged  on  the  road  are  necessarily  placed  in 
the  warehouse  with  the  other  sound  goods;  but  they  are  care- 
fully separated  in  the  stowage,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  classified 
according  to  the  various  degrees  of  damage  stated  in  the  report  of 
the  appraisers. 

Art.  52.  No  change  in  the  stowage,  of  such  a  nature  as  to  vary 
the  basis  of  the  storehouse  rates,  can  take  place  without  authority 
of  the  superintendent. 

This  officer  also  authorizes  transfers  from  one  storehouse  to  an- 
other, and  the  transcription  of  goods  to  the  name  of  another  de- 
positor with  or  without  change  of  storehouse.  When  there  has 
not  been  change  of  storehouse,  the  superintendent  requires  that 
the  portion  transferred  shall  be  separated  from  the  remainder,  to  be 
stowed  apart. 

Art.  53.  The  guard  of  the  storehouse  keeps  a  register  in  which 
is  stated  the  entries  and  exits,  and  the  changes  arising  from  trans- 
fers or  modifications  in  stowage  or  packing. 

The  storekeeper  keeps  a  blotter  for  the  storehouses  under  his 
care.  This  blotter  furnishes  the  data  necessary  for  the  register  of 
the  guard  of  the  storehouse. 

The  documents  of  entry  and  exit,  the  authorities  for  transfer, 
for  change  of  storehouse,  and  for  changes  in  stowage  or  packing, 
are  subject  to  the  inspection  of  the  guard  of  the  storehouse  and 
of  the  storekeeper. 

Art.  54.  The  depositor  puts  labels  upon  the  goods  and  sees  to 
their  preservation. 

The  kbel,  before  being  put  on,  is  presented  for  inspection  to 
the  stortkeeper,  who  puts  upon  it  the  number  inscribed  in  his 
blotter.  It  is  not  modified  so  long  as  the  goods  it  relates  to  re- 
main in  "vj'hole  or  in  pert  in  the  same  storehouse,  and  under  the 
same  name. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


255 


After  the  removal  of  the  goods  thus  labelled,  it  is  returned  and 
preserved  by  the  storekeeper. 

Section  XI. — Changes  in  packing  and  manipulation  of  goods. 

Art.  55.  Depositors  who  wish  to  make  changes  in  the  packing 
of  ejoods,  so  declare  in  writing  beforehand  to  the  superintendent. 

Goods  which  are  subject  by  the  custom-house  tariff  to  different 
duties,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  cases  in  which  they  are 
packed,  cannot  be  packed  in  new  cases,  the  nature  of  which  would 
change  the  basis  of  these  duties. 

The  marks  borne  upon  the  original  cases  are  replaced  upon  the 
new  cases. 

The  clerks  make  a  report  of  the  operation,  and  state  the  gross 
weight  and  net  weight  of  the  new  cases.  The  accounts  and  blot- 
ters are  modified  according  to  the  statements  in  this  report,  and 
the  net  weight  stated  serves  as  the  basis  for  the  eventual  liquida- 
tion of  the  duties. 

Art.  56.  The  cases  may  be  divided,  and  the  goods  unpacked  in 
order  to  be  picked,  assorted,  examined,  &c.  But  manufactured 
articles  cannot,  under  any  circumstances,  be  displayed  in  order  to 
be  exposed  for  sale. 

These  operations  fall  under  the  application  of  the  preceding  ar- 
ticle, and  require  the  previous  statement  of  the  gross  and  net 
"weight.  This  latter  serves  as  the  basis  for  the  eventual  liquida- 
tion of  the  duty.  In  case  of  the  exit  from  the  warehouse  o^  a 
portion  of  the  goods,  the  net  weight  of  this  portion  is  stated  and 
deducted  from  the  total  weight  of  the  quantity  warehoustd. 

If  the  opening  of  the  cases  be  merely  temporary  in  order, to  ex- 
amine the  goods  or  to  take  samples  of  them,  the  superintendent 
may  authorize  it  without  a  statement  of  the  net  weight  being: 
made,  but  on  the  condition  of  its  being  done  in  the  presence  of 
the  storekeeper. 

Art.  57.  It  is  forbidden  to  mix  or  confound  in  the  same  case 
goods  of  the  same  kind,  subject  to  different  duties. 

Art.  58.  Save  the  restriction  established  by  the  preceding  ar- 
ticle, depositors  may  water,  mix,  decant,  &c.,  the  liquids  subject 
to  excise. 

Section  XII. — Transfer  of  goods  without  change  in  the  warehouse. 

Art.  59.  Transfer  of*  goods  without  change  in  the  warehouse  is 
accomplished  through  the  formalities  indicated  in  article  53,  upon 
the  simple  declaration  of  the  party  transferring  them  accepted  by 
the  new  depositor. 

Section  XIII. — Preservation  of  goods. 

Art.  60.  Depositors  are  required  to  watch  over  the  good  preser- 
vation of  their  merchandise.  Should  they  neglect  to  do  so,  the 
superintendent  invites  their  attention  thereto  in  writing. 


256 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57, 


If  necessary,  the  superiraendent.formally  requires  of  the  deposi- 
tor to  give  to  his  goods,  every  week,  the  necessary  care,  under  the 
penalty  of  being  deprived  of  the  benefit  of  the  warehouse.  If 
the  depositor  do  not  obey  this  requisition,  the  goods  cease  to  be 
put  under  the  regulations  of  the  warehouse.  They  must  be  declared 
for  consumption  before  the  expiration  of  the  following  month,  or 
removed  from,  the  warehouse  by  the  application  of  the  23d  article 
of  the  law. 

Art.  61.  Foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors,  deteriorated  or 
weakened  by  evaporation  below  45  degrees  of  the  centesimal  alco- 
hol-hydrometer, at  the  temperature  of  15  degrees  of  the  centigrade 
thermometer,  (59°  Fahr..)  may,  on  the  previous  authority  of  the  ad- 
ministration, be  removed  from  the  warehouse  in  order  to  be  recti- 
fied under  the  superintendence  of  the  clerks. 

The  removal  takes  place,  after  declaration  and  verification,  in 
virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport. 

Custom-house  and  excise  duties  are  recovered  upon  the  portions 
of  liquors  not  returned  into  the  warehouse  within  the  period  fixed 
by  the  document. 

Section  XIV. — Goods  damaged  on  the  road. 

Art.  62.  Goods  damaged  on  the  road  are  not  admitted  into  the 
warehouse  until  the  amount  of  damage  they  have  sustained  is  stated 
conformably  with  article  126  of  the  general  law. 

The  causes  of  the  damage  must  be  proven  by  means  of  the  ship- 
ping papers,  or  other  authentic  documents  which  may  serve  as 
proof. 

The  verification  of  the  damage,  before  admission  into  the  ware- 
house, takes  place  in  the  enclosure. 

Art.  63.  The  reduction  of  duties  accorded  on  account  of  damage, 
conformably  with  article  126  of  the  general  law,  bears  only  upon 
the  custom-house  entry  duties,  and  can  be  allowed  only  at  the  mo- 
ment of  exposure  for  consumption,  and  according  to  the  degree  of 
damage  then  existing. 

This  reduction  cannot,  in  any  case,  be  calculated  at  the  rate  of 
a  higher  degree  of  damage  than  that  stated  on  entry. 

Art.  64.  The  degree  of  damage  stated,  as  mentioned  in  article 
62,  is  indicated  in  the  declaration  of  entry  into  the  warehouse. 
The  report  of  the  appraisers  is  held  in  support  of  this  document, 
and  remains  annexed  to  the  account. 

Art.  65.  The  appraisement  in  the  account,  as  well  as  the  balanc- 
ing thereof,  takes  place  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  present 
regulation.  But,  damaged  goods  may,  on  leaving  the  warehouse, 
be  removed  by  transfer  into  another  warehouse,  or  be  declared  for 
consumption,  re-exportation,  free  transit,  or  ordinary  transit.  When 
there  is  a  transfer  into  anotht  r  warehouse,  re-exportation  or  transit, 
the  amount  of  damage  is  again  verified  before  removal,  conform- 
ably to  article  126  of  the  general  law,  and  if  it  be  less  than  the 
amount  of  dam?ge  recognized  on  entry,  it  alone  is  stated  upon  the 
declaration  and  upon  the  document  required  for  the  transportation. 


4  ' 

257  [32] 

When  exposed  for  consumption,  the  reduction  of  the  custom-house 
duties  is  calculated  according  to  the  amount  of  damage  stated  upon 
entry  into  the  warehouse,  unless  the  superintendent  consider  that 
the  real  damage,  at  the  time  of  exit,  be  less,  in  which  case  it  must 
be  stated'  de  novo. 

Section  XV. — Searches. 


Art.  66.  The  warehouse  is  not  searched  unless  the  committee 
judge  it  necessary  for  the  whole  or  a  portion  of  the  storehouses 
composing  it. 

The  clerks  proceed  io  make  the  search  in  the  presehce  of  the 
superintendent,  the  gu^rd  of  the  storehouse,  and  a  member  of  the 
committee,  by  the  enumeration  of  the  cases,  and  a  summary  exami- 
nation of  the  quantities,  according  to  the  weight  or  measurement, 
taken  on  entry;  but  this  is  done  with  more  exactness  if  any  nota- 
ble difference  appear,  ©r  if  any  question  arise. 

Art.  67.  The  articles  found  over  and  above  are  appraised,  con- 
formably with  article  100. 

Those  not  found  are  marked  credited  in  the  account. 

The  depositor  has  always  the  right  to  claim  a  search  for  thfe 
goods  deposited  in  his  name,  in  order  to  protect  himself  from  the 
payment  of  storage  fees  upon  the  articles  he  may  believe  to  be 
missing. 

Art.  68.  The  clerks  draw  up  a  report  of  the  search,  and  send  it 
to  the  superintendent  to  be  annexed  to  the  account,  after  the  sup- 
plementary appraisement,  in  case  of  excess,  or  the  credit,  in  case 
of  articles  missing,  has  been  made  up. 

Section  XVI. — Movement  of  goods  on  exit  from  the  warehouse. 

Art.  69.  Warehoused  goods  are  removed: 
1st.  By  re-exportation; 
2d.  By  free  transit; 
3d.  By  ordinary  transit; 

4th.  By  transfer  into  a  public   private,  or  constructivej  ware- 
house; 
5th.  For  consumption. 

Art.  70.  Re-exportation  on  exit  from  the  free  warehouse  takes 
place  only  by  sea  and  from  the  port  of  entry.  This  movement  is 
effected  in  virtue  of  a  general  declaration,  in  the  manner  prescribed 
by  article  93. 

Exits  by  the  inland  waters  of  Holland  are  similar  to  those  effected 
by  sea. 

Art.  71.  Free  transit  takes  place: 
1st.  B^  the  State  railroad; 

2d.  By  sea  and  from  the  same  port  where  the  warehouse  is  lo- 
cated, for  goods  introduced  there  by  the  State  railroad. 

Free  transit  can  be  relinquished  only  at  the  warehouse  itself,  or 
at  the  last  office  of  exit. 

On  leaving  the  warehouse,  free  transit  takes  place  on  the  trans- 
17 


[32*]  258 

mission  to  the  superintendent  of  the  duplicate  bills  of  lading,  or 
loading  accounts,  and  according  to  the  formalities  prescribed  by 
article  93  or  97,  and  98. 

Art.  72.  The  following  articles  are  excluded  from  free  transit; 

1st.  Coarse  or  refined  salt,  sea  water  and  brine; 

2d.  Foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquids  and  liquors; 

3d.   Refined  sugars; 

4th.  Rags  and  shreds; 

5th.  Building  stone; 

6th.  Vinegar  of  all  kinds; 

7th.  Sea. fish; 

8th.  Iron,  namely:  ore,  castings  unwrought,  in  pigs  or  in  plates 
or  other  forms,  beaten  or  drawn  out,  in  bars,  rods  and  carillons. 
including  grooved  bars,  called  rails,  and  iron  plates,  cast  and 
wrought  anchors,  old  iron,  clippings  and  refuse; 

9th.  Arms  and  munitions  of  war;  the  transit  of  these  is  specially 
authorised  by  the  director  in  the  province,  by  the  ofliices  located 
upon  the  frontiersbordering  upon  countries  at  peace  with  Belgium; 

10th.  Spun  and  woven  flax  and  hemp  bound  for  France,  pending 
the  duration  of  the  convention  of  13th  December,  1845,  with  that 
country. 

Goods  to  which  transit  is  not  prohibited  may  be  removed  from 
the  warehouse  exempt  from  duties,  for  free  transit  by  the  ways  in- 
dicated in  the  preceding  article,  with  the  exception  of  slates  and 
pit  coal,  which  remain  subject  to  the  rates  fixed  by  article  36,  (State* 
letter  D.)  of  the  law  of  18th  June.,  1836. 

But  slates  and  pit  coal,  coming  from  or  bound  to  the  United 
States  of  America,  are  admitted  to  transit  by  the  State  railroad, 
exempt  from  duties,  conformably  with  the  18th  article  of  the  treaty 
of  10th  November,  1845. 

Art.  73.  Ordinary  transit  takes  place  without  specification  of 
the  ways  adopted  for  arriving  at  or  leaving  the  warehouse. 

Exit  from  the  warehouse  takes  place  after  declaration  and  veri- 
fication, conformably  with  the  law  of  18th  June,  1836,  in  virtue  of 
a  transit  receipt. 

Saving  the  prohibitions  enumerated  in  the  preceding  article,  and 
the  exemptions  from  rates  established  by  the  laws  in  force,  goods 
are  removed  from  the  warehouse  for  ordinary  transit  upon  pay- 
ment of  the  rates. 

Art.  74.  Transfer  from  a  free  warehouse  into  a  public  ware- 
house attached  to  the  State  railroad  by  a  branch,  is  effected  in  vir- 
tue of  a  precautionary  passport  delivered  by  the  superintendent,  in 
conformity  with  article  97. 

The  cars  are  sent  to  the  warehouse  according  to  the  formalities 
prescribed  by  the  decree  of  5th  June,  1845,  (Moniteur,  No.  158.) 

Transfer  into  a  public  warehouse  not  attached  to  the  railroad, 
and  into  a  private  or  constructive  warehouse,  is  effected  conforma- 
bly with  the  law  relative  to  transit,  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary 
passport. 

Art.  75.  Goods  to*  which  entry  is  not  prohibited  are  removed 
from  the  warehouse  for  consumption  after  declaration  in  detail  and 


259 


verification,  according  to  the  formalities  and  under  the  conditions 
prescribed  by  the  laws  in  force. 

The  custom-house  duties  are  in  all  cases  paid  in  cash  before  the 
verification  and  removal;  excise   duties  are  paid  or  may  be  ap- 
praised upon  permanent  or  limited  credit,  after  verification. 

Removal  takes  place, 

1st.  For  custom-house  goods; 

a.  In  virtue  of  a  receipt  for  payment,  if  they  are  declared  ac- 
cording to  the  article  120  of  the  general  law; 

h.  In  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport,  if  they  are  declared  ac- 
cording to  the  art.  122  of  said  law; 

2d.  For  excise  goods,  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport  stat- 
ing that  the  excise  shall  be  paid  in  cash,  or  that  it  shall  be  ap- 
praised under  permanent  or  limited  credit,  according  to  the  kind 
of  goods. 

Art.  76.  Samples,  whatever  may  be  their  value,  are  removable 
from  the  warehouse  only  upon  the  payment  of  the  rates  in  cash. 

This  payment  may,  however,  be  made  monthly  upon  the  autho- 
rity of  the  superintendent. 

In  order  to  enjoy  this  benefit,  the  depositor  states,  on  the  re- 
moval from  the  warehouse,  the  number,  weight,  measurement,  or 
value  of  the  samples,  thq  removal  of  which  he  acknowledges  in 
writing.  He,  moreover,  conforms  to  the  provisions  of  the  special 
regulation  relative  to  this  object. 

Section  XVII. — Quantities  allowed  to  go  out  of  the  warehouse. 

Art.  77.  Upon  going  out  of  the  warehouse  for  re-exportation, 
free  transit  or  ordinary  transit,  or  by  transfer  into  a  public,  pri- 
vate, or  constructive  warehouse,  custom-house  goods  are  removed 
in  all  quantities,  except  cordage  of  all  kinds,  which  cannot  be 
shipped  by  sea,  nor  by  the  Scheldt,  in  less  quantities  than  1,000 
kilogrammes. 

Art.  78.  The  transfer  into  a  public,  private,  or  warehouse 

of  wines,  alcoholic  liquors  and  liqueurs,  and  of  coarse  sugar, 
made  in  the  limit  of  the  quantities  stated  in  article  35. 

Art.  79.  The  exit  from  the  warehouse  of  excise  goods,  removed 
for  re-exportation,  free  transit  or  ordinary  transit,  cannot  occur  in 
less  quantities  than, 

1st.  For  coarse  salt   10,000  kilog. 

Removal  is  only  permitted  for  re-exportation  in  bulk,  by  vessels 
Df  at  least  50  tons. 

2d.  For  wine,    1 

'  I  common   4  " 

3d.  For  foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors,  what- 
ever may  be  their  strength,  and  liqueurs..  3 

Removal  is  only  permitted  for  re-exportation; 

4th.  For  coarse  cane  sugar   500  kilog. 

Art.  80.  On  exit  from  the  warehouse  for  consumption,  the 
[uantities  of  custom-house  goods  are  limited,  conformably  with  the 
»rovisions  of  the  special  regulation. 


260 


The  minimum  ot  the  quantitits  regulated  in  virtue  of  the  19th 
article  of  the  law,  being  also  to  be  observed  when  the  goods  are 
exposed  for  consumption  in  consequence  of  transit  being  renounced, 
the  rales  are  paid  so  as  to  equal  this  minimum,  though  the  quan- 
tities stated  in  the  transit  receipt  do  not  come  up  to  it. 

Art.  81.  Exit  from  the  warehouse  of  excise  goods  removed  for 
consumption,  cannot  take  place  in  less  quantities  than, 

3st.  For  coarse  salt   2,500  kilog. 

,    t;,       •      )fine...  2  hectoL 

2d.  For  wine  >  n  l    .  i 

i  common   9  hectol. 

3d.  For  foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors,  whatever 

may  be  their  strength,  and  liqueurs   1  hectol. 

4t'h.  For  coarse  cane  sugar   500  kilog. 

In  case  of  removal  for  consumption  upon  payment  of  the  excise 
in  cash,  the  minimum  fixed  by  the  present  article  is  not  observed, 
if  the  goods  declared  are  the  remainder  of  an  appraisement. — 
Moreover,  as  relates  to  salt  and  sugar,  deliveries  made  to  private 
individuals  take  place  upon  payment  of  the  excise  in  cash,  in 
quantities  of  50  kilogrammes  or  upwards. 

* 

Section  XYIII. — Formalities  on  exit  from  the  warehouse. 

Art.  82.  No  goods  can  be  removed  frofti  the  storehouses  unless 
a^declaration  of  exit  has  been  sent  to  the  superintendent,  with  the 
certificate  of  reception  mentioned  in  article  111.  There  must  be  as 
many  distinct  declarations  as  there  are  destinations  and  modes  of 
removal.  • 

This  declaration  recites,  besides: 

1st.  The  mode  of  transportation; 

2d.  The  name  of  the  vessel  w^hich  imported  the  goods,  and  that 
of  her  captain; 
3d.  The  flag; 

4th.  Whence  they  come  and  where  bound; 

5th.  The  kind  of  goods,  and  if  necessary,  the  place  of  produc- 
tion; 

6th.  The  number  and  marks  of  the  cases; 

7th.  The  w^eight,  number,  measurement,  value,  &c.,  of  the  arti- 
cles according  as  these  indications  are  necessary  for  the  eventual 
application  of  the  duties; 

8th.  The  name  of  the  party  to  whom  sent,  if  the  goods  are  to  b 
transferred  to  another  warehouse  or  declared  for  consumption  unde 
the  rule  of  credit  for  the  excise. 

In  reference  to  goods  subject  to  different  duties,  the  declaratio 
must  mention  if  the  transportation  has  been  made  directly,  or  i 
there  has  been  any  stoppage;  in  the  latter  case,  the  port  of  stoppage 
is  to  be  indicated. 

Art.  83.  The  declaration  prescribed  by  the  preceding  article 
when  it  is  made: 

1st.  For  ordinary  transit; 

2d.  For  transit  into  a  public  warehouse  not  attached  to  the  Stat 
railroad,  or  into  a  private  or  constructive  warehouse;  i 


261 


[32] 


3d.  For  consumption,  .is  countersigneii  by  the  superintendent 
after  he  has  verified  its  accordance  with  the  account  and  the  cer- 
tificate of  reception,  in  order  that  the  collector  of  the  customs  of 
the  place  may  be  authorized  to  deliver  the  documents  required  by 
the  general  law,  or,  according  to  the  case,  by  the  law  of  transit.. 
Under  these  circumstances,  the  declarations  furnish  the  indications 
required  by  the  siid  laws,  and  they  are  made  of  the  same  effect  as 
if  they  had  originated  in  the  first  office  of  entry. 

Art.  84.  When  the  declaration  is  made: 

1st.  For  re-exportation; 

2d.  For  free  transit; 

3d.  For  transfer  by  the  State  railroad  into  a  public  warehouse 
attached  to  this  road  by  a  branch,  it  is  countersigned  by  the  super- 
intendent after  he  has  verified  its  accordance  with  the  account  and 
certificate  of  reception,  and  he  authorizes  the  removal  and  the  lad- 
ing of  the  goods  upon  the  transport  vehicles. 

Art.  85.  Under  the  circumstances  provided  for  in  the  preceding 
article,  the  declaration  for  exit,  clothed  with  the  authority  for  re- 
moval, is  sent  to  the  comptroller  who  designates  the  clerks  charged 
to  assist  in  carrying  out  "the  goods  from  the  storehouses,  with  em* 
barking  them  or  loading  them  in  the  cars. 

Art.  86.  The  clerics  designated  for  this  duty  keep  a  memoran- 
dum book  in  which  they  note  the  goods  as  fast  as  they  are  epa- 
barked  or  laden  in  the  cars. 

Unless  there  be  suspicion  of  fraud,  the  clerks  merely  state  sum- 
marily the  quantities  by  enumeration  of  the  cases  and  memorandum 
of  the  marks  and  numbers.  But,  if  they  have  any  doubts  as  to  the 
kind  of  goods,  they  are  to  open  one  or  more  cases. 

The  embarkation  or  lading  being  finished,  they  state  the  result 
thereof  on  the  back  of  the  declaration  for  exit,  which  they  send  to 
the  superintendent.  The  latter  credits  the  account- with  the  quan- 
tities stated  in  the  certificate  of  the  clerks,  makes  the  same  credit 
upon  the  certificate  of  reception,  which  he  then  restores  to  the  de- 
positor, and  he  preserves  in  support  of  the  account  the  declaration 
for  exit. 

Art.  87.  After  the  documents  required  in  the  cases  provided  for 
by  article  83  have  been  delivered  by  the  collector  of  the  customs, 
the  comptroller  designates  the  clerks  charged  with  assisting  in  the 
removal  from  the  storehouses,  and  transportation  of  the  goods  into 
the  place  specially  appropriated  to  the  business  of  verifications, 
and  with  proceeding  to  the  verification  of  the  said  goods. 

Art.  88.  The  place  appropriated  to  verifications  is  composed^of 
two  storehouses,  one  of  which  communicating  directly  with  the 
interior  of  the  warehouse,  serves  as  a  depot  for  the  goods  presented 
for  verification,  and  the  other  opening  immediately  into  the  enclo- 
sure upon  the  wharf  of  the  dock,  and  near  the  gate  of  exit,  serves 
as  a  depot  for  the  verified  goods. 

This  place  is  entrusted  to  the  special  superintendence  of  the 
comptroller. 

Art.  89,  The  totality  of  the  goods  comprised  in  each  document 


[32] 


262 


is  to  be  collected  together  in  the  place  designated  in  the  preceding 
article,  before  the  verification  can  be  commenced. 

The  result  of  the  verification,  which  is  always  integral,  is  stated 
by  the  clerks  upon  the  back  of  the  custom-house  documents. 
These  papers  are  then  sent  to  the  superintendent,  who  credits  the 
account  with  the  quantities  stated  in  the  certificate  of  the  clerks, 
and  makes  the  same  credit  upon  the  certificate  of  reception,  which 
he  then  returns  to  the  depositor.  This  being  done,  the  superinten- 
dent countersigns  the  documents  to  authorize  the  exit  from  the 
enclosure,  and  fixes  the  period  within  which  this  removal  is  to  be 
accomplished. 

Art.  90.  Goods  in  bulk,  as  well  as  goods  other  than  those  men- 
tioned in  article  19,  section  2,  of  the  law,  which  are  packed  in 
cases  of  large  size,  may  be  laden  upon  the  transportation  vehicles 
■without  previous  verification  in  the  place  indicated  in  article  88. 
In  this  case,  the  clerks  drsignated  by  the  comptroller  make  an  inte- 
gral verification  of  the  goods  as  fast  as  laden,  and  the  transporta- 
tion vehicles,  plumbed  after  each  is  finished  lading,  remain,  until 
leaving  the  enclosure,  subject  to  a  special  surveillance. 

Art.  91.  The  exception,  authorized  by  the  preceding  article,  is 
accorded  only  when  the  depositor  requests  it  in  writing  from  the 
superintendent,  engaging  himself: 

1st.  To  renounce  the  right  of  counter-vefification ; 
'2d.  To  cause  to  be  weighed,  measured,  and  integrally  enume- 
rated, the  goods  declared  for  exit. 

Art.  92.  The  declarations  made  in  order  to  obtain  the  exit  free 
from  customrhouse  and  excise  duties,  of  the  lees  arising  from  wnnes 
clarified  in  the  warehouse,  are  countersigned  by  the  superintendent, 
in  order  to  authorize  the  collector  of  the  customs  of  the  place  to 
deliver  the  document  for  exit.  The  superintendent  previously  sat- 
isfies himself  whether  the  exit  requested  can  take  place  within  the 
limits  of  the  charges  on  account  of  lees. 

On  exhibition  of  this  document,  the  comptroller  causes  the  trans- 
portation to  be  made  to  the  place  indicated  in  article  88,  w^here 
the  verification  takes  place.  The  lees,  which  are  not  recognized 
to  be  unfit  for  drinking,  are  seized  as  being  declared  under  a  false 
denomination. 

The  exit  from  the  enclosure  takes  place  after  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  formalities  prescribed  by  article  89. 

Art.  93.  When  the  lading  of  a  vessel  bound  for  a  foreign 
port  is  finished,  the  captain  sends  to  the  superintendent,  with  du- 
plicates of  all  the  bills  of  lading,  or,  in  failure  thereof,  of  .the 
manifest,  furnished  with  the  same  signature  as  the  originals,  a 
general  declaration  made  in  the  manner  prescribed  for  entry  by 
the  8th  article  of  the  general  law  of  the  26th  August,  1822.  This 
declaration  is  of  the  same  effect  as  that  made  on  entry. 

The  superintendent  compares  these  documents  w^th  the  declara- 
tions for  exit,  preserved  in  support  of  the  account,  conformably 
with  article  86;  and  if  they  accord,  he  authorizes  the  sailing  of 
the  vessel,  after  having  caused  to  be  exhibited  to  him  the  clear- 
ance act  mentioned  in  article  138  of  the  general  law. 


263 


[32] 


Art.  94.  On  leaving  the  enclosure,  the  guards  at  the  gate  ex- 
amine the  condition  of  the  plumbs,  visit  the  ship,  and  seize,  as 
fraudulently  imported,  all  goods  found  on  board,  and  not  •  men- 
tioned in  the  general  declaration. 

This  visit  being  finished,  the  vessel  pursues  her  course,  under 
the  convoy  of  the  guard.  The  triplicate  of  the  general  declara- 
tion serves  to  cover  the  transport. 

A  similar  visit,  and  with  the  same  effect,  occurs  at  the  last  of- 
fice of  exit,  when  the  triplicate  of  the  general  declaration  is  re- 
tired, in  order  to  be  sent  back  to  the  superintendent,  furnished 
with  an  act  of  discharge  delivered  by  the  clerks  of  the  said  office. 

In  case  of  suspicion  of  fraud,  or  if  the  plumbs  are  altered,  the 
clerks  of  the  last  office  proceed  to  make  a  thorough  verification. 

Art.  95.  The  general  declaration  is  not  made  when  vessels 
leave  in  ballast.  Exit  from  the  enclosure  is  authorized  by  the  su- 
perintendent, after  having  caused  to  be  exhibited  to  him  the  clear- 
ance act,  conformably  with  article  93. 

Art.  96.  'When  a  vessel  not  laden  leaves  the  enclosure  without 
going  out  of  the  kingdom,  the  superintendent  authorizes  the  de- 
parture, after  the  production  of  the  clearance  act,  and  reserving 
the  visit  to  be  made  at  the  gate  of  the  enclosure.  AH  goods  found 
on  board  are  seized  as  fraudulently  imported. 

Art.  97.  When  thh  loading  of  ths  cars  composing  a  train  is  com- 
pleted, the  superintendent  causes  to  be  produced  to  him  the  dupli- 
cate bills  of  lading.  After  having  compared  these  documents  with 
the  declarations  for  exit,  preserved  in  support  of  the  account,  con- 
formably with  article  86,  he  affixes  them,  by  means  of  the  adminis- 
tration seal,  to  a  transit  receipt,  or  to  a  precautionary  passport, 
which  he  delivers  to  cover  the  transport  to  the  last  office  of  exit, 
or  to  the  public  warehouse. 

Art.  9S.  The  train,  escorted  by  the  clerks,  pursues  its  route  to- 
wards its  destination,  according  to  the  formalities,  and  under  the 
conditions  prescribed  by  the  royal  decree  of  the  5th  June,  I8i5. — 
(Moniteur,  No.  158.) 

On  arriving  at  the  last  office  of  exit,  the  clerks  examine  the  state 
of  the  plumbs,  and  if  they  are  intact,  they  credit  the  transit  receipt, 
the  return  of  w^hich  is  made  to  the  superintendent  in  the  ordina- 
ry way. 

In  case  of  suspicion  of  fraud,  or  if  the  plumbs  be  altered,  they 
proceed  to  make  a  thorough  verification. 

Section  XIX. — Storehouse  fees. 

Art.  99.  The  tariff  of  storehouse  rates  is  fixed  by  the  special 
regulation. 

These  rates  are  paid  into  the  office  of  the  superintendent  upon 
quittance. 

Art.  100.  The  quantities  enumerated  in  the  storehousing  certifi- 
cates attached  to  the  declarations  for  entry  into  the  warehouse,  de- 
duction being  made  of  the  quantities  regularly  removed,  serve  as 
the  basis  for  the  storehouse  rates. 


[32] 


264 


Storehcuse  rates  are  to  be  exacted  upon  all  missing:  goods,  unless; 
the  depositor  causes  them  to  be  reported  by  the  cleiks. 

If,  in  consequence  of  a  search,  or  in  any  other  manner,  a  surplus 
of  goods  be  discovered,  a  supplementary  appraisement  takes  place^ 
"which  takes  date,  counting  fiom  the  day  of  the  last  settlement  of 
account  for  storehouse  rates. 

Art.  101.  Storehouse  rates  are  due  upon  all  goods  introduced 
into  the  warehouse,  and  into  the  temporary  place  of  deposite  men- 
tioned in  article  117. 

Goods  deposited  in  the  name  of  the  administration,  as  well  as 
articles  addressed  to  the  government,  to  the  ambassadors  or  minis- 
ters of  foreign  powers  accredited  to  the  Belgian  government,  are 
alone  excepted. 

Art.  102.  Storehouse  rates  are  charged  by  whole  months,  count- 
ing from  the  first  of  the  m.onth  during  which  the  storage  has 
commenced. 

But,  as  relates  to  goods  introduced  in  the  course  of  the  month, 
and  removed  before  the  corresponding  day  of  the  following  month^ 
rates  are  not  due  for  the  month  during  which  the  removal  took 
place. 

When  the  goods  enumerated  in  a  document  for  removal,  cannot 
all  be  removed  before  the  expiration  of  the  .month,  rates  are  due 
upon  the  whole  of  them  for  the  following' month. 

Art.  103.  When,  in  the  cases  provided  for  by  the  25th  section 
of  the  present  chapter,  goods  are  deposited  in  the  storehouses  of 
the  warehouse,  storehouse  rates  are  due  at  the  rate  of  ihe  real  du- 
ration of  the  deposite,  if  it  be  for  ten  days  or  more. 

Art.  104.  In  case  of  transcription,  storehouse  rates  are  due  by 
the  new  depositor,  counting  from  the  expiration  of  the  month  dur- 
ing which  the  transcription  took  place. 

Art.  105.  Storehouse  rates  are  to  be  exacted  on  the  first  day  of 
each  quarter,  for  the  quarter  expired. 

But  they  may  be  exacted  at  the  time  of  the  removal  or  transcrip- 
tion of  the  goods,  if  the  depositor  has  no  longer  in  the  warehouse 
any  goods  which  might  be  pledged  for  the  amount  of  rates  due. 

Art.  106.  At  the  expiration  of  each  quarter  the  superintendent 
sends  to  the  depositor  the  account  for  the  rates  due  by  him. 

This  account  must  be  paid  within  five  days  from  its  date,  in. 
failure  whereof,  proceedings  are  to  be  entered  into  conformably 
with  article  23  of  the  law. 

Payment  cannot  be  delayed  on  account  of  a  claim.  In  case  of 
error  in  the  account,  restitution  will  be  made  by  order  of  the 
minister. 

Art.  107.  Every  three  months  the  rates  received  are  deposited 
in  the  corporate  treasury  (caisse  communale.) 

As  respects  the  free  warehouse  at  Antwerp,  the  receipts  from 
storage  rates  are  deposited  as  ordinary  assets,  to  the  profit  of  the 
state,  in  the  manner  prescribed  by  the  minister. 


265 


[33] 


Section  XX. —  Warehcuse  accounts. 

Art.  108.  The  superintendent  keeps  a  register  stating,  for  each 
entry  of  goods  into  the  warehouse,  the  data  for  the  calculation  of 
.the  storehouse  rates,  and  eventually  for  the  liquidation  of  the  state 
duties,  according  to  the  place  whence  they  come  or  the  origin  of 
the  goods,  or  according  to  the  mode  or  flag  of  importation. 

Art.  109.  The  account  is  debited: 

1st.  On  importation  by  sea; 

2d.  On  importation  by  the  state  railroad,  with  the  quantities 
stated  by  the  clerks  on  the  back  of  the  declaration  for  entry,  fur- 
nished with  the  certificate  for  storage. 

It  is  debited,  upon  the  special  authority  of  the  minister,  with 
the  goods  not  prohibited  to  transit,  transferred  from  a  public 
warehouse  attached  to  the  state  railroad,  in  following  this  route 
without  interruption  into  the  enclosure  of  the  free  warehouse. 

Art.  110.  Goods  are  inscribed  in  the  account  in  the  name  of  the 
signer  of  the  declaration  for  entry.  They  are  delivered  to  him 
only,  or  to  the  person  who  has  the  transcription  regularly  made  to 
his  name. 

Art.  111.  The  superintendent  delivers  to  the  owner,  according 
to  the  inscriptions  in  the  account  and  for  each  entry,  a  certificate 
of  reception. 

Art.  112.  On  exhibition  of  the  declaration  mentioned  in  article 
59,  the  superintendent  makes  the  transcription  in  the  accounts  and 
delivers  a  certificate  of  reception  upon  the  return  of  the  one  of 
which  the  first  depositor  was  the  holder. 

If  the  transcription  comprise  only  a  portion  of  the  goods  men- 
tioned in  the  certificate  of  reception,  the  superintendent  does  not 
return  this  document,  on  the  back  of  which  he  notes,  in  this  case, 
the  quantity  comprising  the  transcription. 

Art.  113.  Respecting  damaged  goods,  the  account  and  the  cer- 
tificate of  reception  mention  the  degree  of  damage. 

If  thQ  declaration  for  entry  includes  sound  goods  as  well  as 
damaged  goods,  the  superintendent  opens  an  account  for  each  kind 
and  delivers  distinct  certificates. 

Art.  114.  The  account  is  credited  with  the  quantities  stated  by 
the* clerks,  on  exit  from  the  warehouse: 

1st.  For  re-exportation; 

2d.  For  free  transit; 

3d.  For  ordinary  transit; 

4th.  By  transfer  into  a  public,  private,  or  constructive  ware- 
house; 

5th.  For  consumption. 

It  is  credited,  within  the  limit  of  the  appraisement,  with  the 
quantities  of  lees  arising  from  wines  clarified  in  the  warehouse, 
which  are  verified  on  going  out  for  consumption,  exempt  from  cus- 
tom-house and  excise  duties. 

Art.  115.  The  accounts  are  not  closed  in  consequence  of  a 
search,  unless  this  search  show  a  quantity  missing,  or  in  excess 
giving  rise  to  contest.    In  this  case  the  quantity  found  is  inscribed 


[32]  266 

in  a  new  account,  and  the  superintendent  delivers  a  certificate  of 
reception  in  exchange  for  the  one  to  \\hich  the  excess  or  deficiency, 
has  relation. 

On  the  matter  being  closed  the  accounts  are  drawn  up.    The  in- 1 
scriptions  of  the  goods  in  hand  are  carried  to  a  new  account;  the 
quantities  inscribed  in  credit  are  added  up  and  carried  to  the  credit 
of  the  new  account,  without  the  necessity  of  exchanging  the  certifi- 
cates of  reception. 

Section  XXI. — Destination  of  tke  goods  refused  on  account  of  the 

storehouses  being  filled. 

Art.  116.  Goods  refused  entry  into  the  storehouses  on  account 
of  their  being  filled,  may,  under  the  conditions,  and  saving  the  ex- 
ceptions or  prohibitions  established  by  the  laws  by  the  present 
regulation,  and  by  special  regulation,  be  declared: 

1st.  For  re-exportation,  free  transit  or  ordinary  transit; 

2d.  Destined  for  another,  public,  private,  or  constructive  ware-' 
house; 

3.d.  For  consumption. 

Owners,  when  they  do  not  wish  to  avail  themselves  of  the  bene- 
fit granted  them  by  the  present  article,  claim  from  the  corporate 
authority  the  designation  of  a  temporary  place  of  deposite,  which 
is  agreed  to  by  the  director  in  the  province,  after  he  is  satisfied 
that  the  place  indicated  offers  the  guarantees  required  for  security. 

Art.  117.  The  temporary  place  of  deposite  should,  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, be  selected  close  to  the  warehouse.  It  is  confided  to  the  ex- 
clusive guardianship  of  the  administration  of  direct  contributions, 
customs,  and  excise. 

It  is  put  under  the  same  regime  as  the  warehouse,  except  that 
the  declaration  and  verification  on  entry  and  exit  take  place  con- 
formably with  the  provisions  decreed  in  the  present  regulation,  in 
what  concerns  the  public  warehouse  not  attached  to  the  State  rail- 
road. 

The  temporary  place  of  deposite  receives  no  more  goods  when  it 
is  possible  to  stow  them  in  the  warehouse. 

Art.  118.  Except  in  the  foregoing  provisions,  the  director  may, 
when  the  corporate  authority  and  the  owner  claim  it  together,  admit, 
as  a  temporary  place  of  deposite,  a  storehouse  designated  by  the 
latter.    In  this  case  the  following  provisions  are  applicable: 

1st.  The  temporary  place  of  deposite  is  agreed  to  in  compliance 
with  the  formalities  and  on  the  conditions  prescribed  for  private 
warehouses; 

2d.  It  is  searched  and  superintended  like  these  warehouses,  and 
with  the  same  effect; 

3d.  Custom-house  and  excise  duties  are  paid  immediately,  in  cashj 
upon  missing  goods  found  to  be  so  missing  on  search  or  in  any 
othermanner; 

4th.  The  expenses  of  opening  and  shuttings  are  borne  by  the 
,   owner;  they  are  fixed  at  30  centimes  per  hour;  the  hour  commenceq 
is  paid  in  full;  one  day's  opening,  free  of  charge,  may  be  granted 


267 


[32] 


every  five  days,  in  order  to  air  the  storehouses  holding  grain,  or  to 
stir  the  grain;  all  other  operations  give  rise  to  the  payment  of  the 
expenses.  The  opening,  on  requisition  of  the  clerks,  is  effected 
withotit  charge; 

5th.  The  goods,  on  entry  into  and  exit  from  the  temporary  place 
of  deposite,  are  declared  in  detail  and  verified  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed for  private  warehouses;  they  are,  besides,  put  under  the 
regime  regulated  for  the  free  warehouse; 

6th.  On  failure  of  execution  of  one  or  other  of  these  conditions, 
the  temporary  place  of  deposite  is  suppressed  by  the  application  of 
the  56th  article  of  the  law. 

This  temporary  place  of  deposite  receives  no  more  goods  when  it 
is  possible  to  stow  them  in  the  warehouse. 

Section  XXII. — Destination  of  goods  excluded  frcm  the  warehouse 
on  account  of  their  character. 

Art.  119.  Goods  refused  entry  into  the  warehouse  on  account  of 
their  character,  may,  saving  the  establised  prohibitions,  be  de- 
clared: 

1st.  For  re-exportation; 

2d.  For  free  transit; 

3d,  For  ordinary  transit; 

4th.  For  consumption.  • 

The  declaration,  unloading,  verification,  and  removal  of  these 
goods,  take  place  according  to  the  formalities  and  under  the  con- 
ditions prescribed  for  importation  by  the  laws  in  force. 

Section  XXIII. — Privilege  of  retaining  goods  on  board  of  vessels 
in  the  ivarehouse  docks. 

Art.  120,  Belgian  vessels,  and  those  of  the  countries  which  have 
with  Belgium  treaties  or  conventions  stipulating  this  privilege,  may 
retain  on  board  under  plumb,  for  re-exportation,  the  whole  or  part 
of  their  cargo.  In  this  case  the  captain  must  make  the  general  de- 
claration for  exit  prescribed  by  article  93. 

Within  the  enclosure  of  the  free  warehouse  of  Antwerp  and 
Ostend,  this  privilege  is  extended  to  all  vessels. 

Art.  121.  The  ship's  provisions,  as  well  as  goods  forming  the 
cargo  of  vessels  whose  voyage  if  not  completed,  (en  retache,)  may 
be  retained  on  board  under  plumb. 

Section  XXIV. — Loan  {emprunt)  of  the  enclosure. 

Art.  122.  Vessels  and  boats,  cars  and  other  transportation  veiii- 
cles  may  be  introduced  empty  into  the  enclosure  to  be  there  laden 
with  goods,  either  for  the  interior  or  for  abroad.  They  are  visited 
on  entering  by  the  guards  at  the  gate  of  the  enclosure. 

Boats  laden  with  ballast  are  likewise  admitted,  but  on  condition 
that  they  go  out  empty. 


[32] 


268 


Abt.  123.  Vessels  lading  for  exportation  maybe  introduced  into 
the  enclosure  to  complete  their  cargo  there. 

The  custom-house  or  excise  goods  which  they  have  on  ifcoard, 
foreign  or  domestic,  declared  in  transit  or  for  exportatioH,  with  or 
without  credit  for  duties,  must  first  have  been  submitted  to  verifi- 
cation, after  payment  of  the  rates  for  transit  or  for  exportation  at 
the  office  designated  for  this  object.    The  enclosure  then  becomes  j 
similar  to  the  last  exit  office,  and  the  formalities  required  by  the  1 
law  at  that  office  are  complied  with  on  entry  into  the  enclosure  by  I 
the  clerks  designated  thereto  by  the  comptroller.  1 

The  bills  of  lading,  or  if  they  are  wanting^,  the  manifest  of  these 
goods,  are  recited  in  the  general  declaration  to  be  made  on  going 
out,  in  conformity  with  article  93. 

Art.  124:.  Custom  house  or  excise  goods,  foreign  or  domestic^ 
destined  for  transit  or  for  exportation,  with*  or  without  credit  for 
duties,  may  also  be  introduced  into  the  enclosure  by  the  railroad  or 
otherwise,  in  order  to  be  shipped  immediately  on  board  the  vessels 
there  lading.  They  are  in  this  case  subject  to  the  formalities  and 
conditions  prescribed  by  the  preceding  article. 

Art.  125.  There  may  be  established,  with  the  consent  of  the 
minister  of  finance,  a  place  of  deposite  attached  by  a  railroad  to 
the  wharf  and  to  the  warehouse  enclosure,  for  goods  imported  by. 
the  steamb^oats  in  regujar  service. 

A  procedure  is  adopted  with  respect  to  these  depots  analogous 
to  what  is  prescribed  m  articles  36,  37,  38,  40,  41  and  43.  Un- 
loading and  storing  take  place  in  virtue  of  the  triplicate  of  the 
general  declaration,  furnished  with  the  authority  of  the  superin- 
tendentf 

The  guarding  of  this  place  of  deposite  is  confided  exclusively  to 
the  custom-house  clerks.  Declaration  and  removal  of  goods  take 
place,  at  the  latest,  within  five  days  after  their  landing  from  the 
steamboat.  If  the  goods  have  not  been  removed  within  the  period 
prescribed,  they  are  considered  as  being  without  consignees,  and 
falling  under  the  application  of  article  117  of  the  general  law. 

Goods  temporarily  deposited  in  this  place  are  removed: 

1.  To  enter  definitively  into  the  free  warehouse; 

2.  To  be  sent  by  the  railroad  to  a  public  warehouse; 

3.  For  free  transit; 

4.  For  consumption. 

The  removal  takes  place  in  the  first  case,  upon  the  declaratioE 
for  entry  prescribed  by  article  48,  furnished  with  the  authority  of  i 
the  superintendent,  and  after  the  accomplishment  of  the  formalities | 
required  by  articles  40  and  41;  in  the  2d  and  3d  cases,  in  virtue  of  | 
a  precautionary  passport  or  of  a  transit  receipt,  delivered  by  the! 
superintendent  in  conformity  with  article  97,  after  transmission  ofj 
the  bills  of  lading,  and  under  the  regime  of  the  decree  of  June  5,1 
1845,  (Moniteur,  No.  158;)  in  the  4th  case,  according  to  the  for- 
malities and  under  the  conditions  prescribed  for  importation  by  the 
laws  in  force. 

Art.  126.  When  .a  portion  of  the  cargo  of  vessels  or  of  the  cars 


269 


[32] 


:oming  from  abroad  is  not  destined  for  the  warehouse,  the  decla- 
ation  of  it  is  made: 
1.  For  re-exportation; 
2=  For  free  transit; 

3.  For  ordinary  transit; 

4.  For^transfer  into  a  public,  private,  or  constructive  warehouse; 

5.  For  consumption. 

The  declaration,  unloading,  verification  and  removal  of  the  goods 
not  destined  for  the  free  warehouse,  take  place  according  to  the 
formalities  and  under  the  conditions  prescribed  for  importation  by 
the  laws  in  force. 

Section  XXY .—Temporary  deposite  in  the  warehouse. 

Art.  127.  The  following  articles  are  deposited  in  a  special'store- 
Louse  of  the  warehouse  after  declaration  and  verification,  conform- 
ably to  the  general  law,  and  on  observing  such  other  provisions  as 
may  be  prescribed  by  the  minister: 

1.  Ship's  provisions; 

2.  Wrecks,  articles  or  goods  saved  from  shipwreck; 

3.  Goods  from  vessels  whose  voyages  are  not  completed,  (navires 
en  retache;) 

4.  Goods  of  Belgian  origin  returned  unsold  from  abroad,  and 
those  which,  having  been  cleared  for  a  country  where  they  have 
not  been  permitted  to  be  introduced,  in  consequence  of  a  prohibi- 
tion of  which  the  exporter  was  not  aware  until  after  their  depar- 
ture, are  re-imported  into  Belgium; 

5.  Articles  imported  to  be  delivered  free  from  duties; 

6.  Goods  w^ithout  consignee?,  or  refused  by  the  persoi^  to  whom 
addressed. 

These  several  goods  are  re-exported,  delivered  free  from  duties, 
declared  for  consumption  or  exposed  to  public  sale,  according  to 
the  prescriptions  of  the  general  law. 

Art.  128.  Transit  goods  introduced  by  the  railroad  to  be  ship- 
ped, may,  if  the  vessel  cannot  receive  them, be  deposited,  conform- 
ably with  article  16  of  the  law  upon  transit,  in  the  storehouse  de- 
gignated  in  the  preceding  ariicle. 

CHAPTER  III. 
Of  the  public  warehouse. 
Section  I. — Definition. 

Art.  129  The  public  warehouse  is  a  building  wherein  goods 
may  be  deposited,  and  is  appropriated  to  this  object  by  the  com- 
munal authority.  It  may  be  established  at  any  place  where  its 
utility  is  acknowledged. 

The  localities  judged  necessary  are  appropriated  according  to  the 
indications  of  the  minister  of  finance. 

The  public  warehouse  is  opened,  bjt  royal  decree,  as  soon  as  the 


[32] 


270 


localities  have  been  put,  by  the  corporate  authority,  at  the  disposal 
of  the  administration  in  the  conditions  of  security  requisite. 

Section  II. — Administrative  committee — its  institution  and  func- 
tions. 

Art.  130.  If  the  corporate  administration  request  it,  and  if  the 
government  find  it  useful,  an  administrative  committee  may  be  in- 
stituted by  royal  decree,  composed : 

In  the  localities  where  there  is  a  chamber  of  commerce,  of  one 
member  of  the  corporate  authority,  and  two  members  of  the  cham- 
ber of  commerce. 

In  the  localities  where  there  is  no  chamber  of  commerce,  of  three 
members  of  the  corporate  authority. 

They  are  appointed  by  the  king,  upon  the  proposition  of  the 
minister  of  finance,  and  irom  a  triple  list  of  candidates  presented 
by  the  governor  of  the  province. 

The  superior  functionary  of  the  administration  of  direct  contri- 
butions, customs,  and  excises  de  la  residence,  complete,  with  the 
superintendent,  the  number  of  the  members  of  the  committee. 

Art.  131.  The  duration  of  the  functions  of  the  three  members 
appointed  by  the  king  is  fixed  at  three  years. 

Every  year  one  member  retires;  he  is  replaced  in  the  manner 
indicated  in^he  preceding  article,  and  may  be  re-appointed.  The 
retirement  of  the  members  comprised  in  the  first  appointment  is 
determined  by  ballot. 

Provision  is  also  made,  in  the  same  manner,  for  places  becoming 
vacated  in  consequence  of  death,  resignation,  or  other  cause;  in 
this  case  tne  member  newly  appointed  takes  the  post  of  service  of 
him  whom  he  replaces. 

Art;  132.  The  members  of  the  committee  exercise  their  functions 
gratuitously. 

They  meet  regularly  at  least  once  every  three  months,  and  of- 
tener  if  the  exigencies  of  the  service  require  it. 

They  appoint,  from  among  themselves,  a  president  and  vice  presi- 
dent by  a  majority  of  votes. 

The  president  and  vice  president  are  appointed  for  one  year 
only.    They  are  re-eligible. 

The  president  regulates  the  special  meetings,  and  issues  the 
notices  to  that  end. 

The  committee  appoints,  independent  of  its  body,  a  secretary, 
charged  with  keeping  the  journal  of  its  deliberations  and  the  cor- 
respondence.   He  has  only  a  consultative  voice. 

Art.  133.  No  resolution  can  be  passed  by  the  committee  if  there 
be  not  at  least  three  members  present. 

Every  resolution,  passed  at  a  session  in  which  the  superior  func- 
tionary of  the  administration  of  direct  contributions,  customs,  and 
excises  of  the  residence  was  n«t  present,  is  communicated  to  him, 
and  is  not  carried  into  execution  unless,  within  24  hours  after  the 
communication,  it  does  not  .provoke  a  new  deliberation  upon  the 
same  object  for  the  following  session. 


271 


The  resolutions  are  signed  by  the  president  and  countersigned 
by  the  secretary. 

If  there  be  a  division  of  votes,  that  of  the  president  is  preponde- 
rative. 

Art.  134.  The  committee  submits  to  the  minister  of  finance  for 
his  approval  its  regulations  for  interior  order. 
These  regulations  determine  specially: 
1st.  The  days  and  hours  of  the  sessions; 

2d.  The  order  for  interior  labor  for  the  custody  and  surveillance 
of  the  buildings  and  storehouses. 

Art.  135.  The  committee  delegates,  for  the  period  fixed  by  it, 
one  or  more  of  its  members,  charged  specially  to  cooperate  with 
the  superintendent  in  the  surveillance  of  the  buildings  of  the  ware- 
house, as  well  as  in  the  execution  of  the  measures  ef  police  and  of 
interior  order  decreed  by  the  special  regulations. 

Art.  136.  The  committee  orders  the  special  regulations  of  the 
warehouse,  which  determine  within  the  limits  of  law: 

1st.  The  measures  of  police  and  interior  order  applicable  in  the 
warehouse; 

2d.  The  tariff  of  storage  rates; 

3d.  The  nomenclature  of  goods,  the  entry  of  which  into  the 
warehouse  is  interdicted; 

•  4th.  The  minimum,  by  kinds,  of  the  quantities  of  goods  permit- 
ted to  go  out  for  consumption; 

5th.  The  storing  and  stowage  of  the  goods  in  the  storehouses; 

6th.  The  putting  on  and  preservation  of  labels; 

7th.  The  taking  away  of  samples  and  the  mode  of  recovering  the 
State  duties  upon  those  removed  from  the  warehouse; 

8th.  The  examination  and  assorting  of  goods; 

9th.  Interdiction  to  expose  the  goods; 

10th.  Changing  the  packing  cases. 

It  also  regulates  the  hours  during  which  the  private  warehouses 
may  be  opened. 

This  regulation,  clothed  with  the  royal  sanction,  is  published  at 
the  same  time  as  the  decree  by  which  the  warehouse  is  declared  to 
be  opened. 

Where  there  is  no  committee,  the  regulation  is  decreed  by  the 
government. 

Art.  137.  In  cases  where  the  resolutions  of  the  committee 
which  concern  the  storage  rates,  or  which  interest  the  treasury, 
commerce  or  navigation,  shall  be  contrary*  to  the  regulations  in 
force,  they  shall  not  be  carried  into  execution  until  they  shall  have 
been  approved  by  royal  decree. 

They  are  submitted  to  the  judgment  of  the  chamber  of  commerce, 
or,  where  there  is  none,  to  the  corporate  authority,  and  presented 
by  the  minister  of  finance  for  the  approbation  of  the  king. 

Section  III. — Guard  and  surveillance  of  the  warehouse. 

Art.  138.  The  guard  and  surveillance  of  the  warehouse  are  con- 


[32] 


27.2 


fided  exclusively  to  the  administration  of  direct  contributions,  cus- 
toms and  excise. 

Art.  139.  The  superintendent  gives  effect  to  the  resolutions  of 
the  committee.  He  suspends  the  execution  of  those  to  which  the 
superior  functionary  of  the  residence  making  part  of  the  committee 
was  opposed  in  the  council.  In  the  latter  case,  the  difficulty  is 
submitted  to  the  minister  of  finance  in  the  ordinary  manner. 

Art.  140.  The  superintendent  authorizes  specially : 

1st.  Admission  into  the  warehouse  of  persons  foreign  to  the  ad- 
ministration; 

2d.  The  taking  away  of  samples; 

3d.  Deviations  from  the  regulations  which  particular  circum- 
stances may  require  for  <he  interest  of  depositors. 

Art.  141.  The  superintendent  is  charged  to  superintend  the 
stowing,  manipulation  and  preservation  of  the  goods,  and  the  put- 
ting on  and  preservation  of  labels. 

Some  clerks  of  the  custom-house  are  supplied  to  him,  as  ware- 
house men,  to  assist  in  this  service,  and,  as  far  as  is  necessary,  to 
guard  especially  each  of  the  storehouses  of  the  warehouse. 

Art.  142.  The  keys  of  tbe  doors  of  the  warehouse,  and  those  of 
the  storehouses,  are  confided  to  the  superintendent. 

Art.  143.  The  superintendent  satisfies  himself,  if  necessary,  with 
the  committee,  that  the  localities  and  buildings  of  the  warehouse 
are  kept  in  good  order,  and  present  the  necessary  guaranties  of  se- 
curity and  preservation.  He  takes  the  necessary  measures  that 
repairs  be  made  in  time. 

Section  IV. — Designation  of  the  goods  admitted  or  excluded. 

Art.  144.  With  the  exception  noted  in  the  11th  article  of  the 
law,  no  goods  are  admitted  into  the  warehouse  if  they  are  not 
sound  and  of  merchantable  quality. 

Art.  145.  The  following  articles  are  excluded  from  the  public 
warehouse: 

1st.  Goods  prohibited  entry  as  well  as  transit; 

2d.  Gunpowder; 

3d.  Living  animals; 

4th.  Coarse  salt; 
^      5th.  Goods  specified  on  this  point  in  the  special  regulation. 

Arms  and  munitions  of  war  are  deposited  only  upon  the  special 
authority  of  the  minister  of  finance. 

With  regard  to  goods  excluded,  such  action  will  be  taken  as  is 
prescribed  in  the  21st  section  of  the  present  chapter. 

Section  V. — Movement  of  goods  07i  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  146.  The  ei^try  of  the  goods  into  the  warehouse  takes 
■  place: 

1st.  By  direct  entry  importation  by  sea; 

2d.  By  direct  entry  importation  by  the  State  railroad; 

3d.  By  direct  entry  importation  by  land,  canals,  or  rivers; 


Ex,  Doc.  No.  57. 


4th.  By  transfer  from  another  ipublic  warehouse,  or  from  a  free 
warehouse. 

Art.  147.  Direct  importation  by  sea  takes  place  after  unloading 
and  verification  at  th*  office  designated  to  that  effect.  Entry  into 
the  warehouse  is  effected  by  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport. 

Entries  by  the  inland  waters  of  Holland  are  similar  to  those 
made  by  sea. 

Art.  148.  Direct  importation  by  the  State  railroad,  destined  for 
a  public  warehouse  attached  to  this  road  by  a  branch,  takes  place 
in  general  without  discharge  or  verification  previous  to  the  intro- 
duction into  the  warehouse,  upon  the  transmission  to  the  first  oflfice 

entry  ®f  the  bill  of  lading  or  the  duplicate  of  the  car  lading,  in 
conformity  with  the  decree  of  5th  June,  1845,  (Moniteur,  No.  158.) 
The  cars  are  sent  to  the  warehouse  with  the  formalities  prescribed 
by  this  decree,  and  no  part  of  their  lading  can  up  to  this  time  re- 
ceive any  other  destination. 

Art.  149.  Importation  by  land,  canals  or  rivers  takes  place  after 
declaration  and  verification  at  the  office  of  discharge  designated  to 
this  effect.  The  entry  into  the  warehouse  is  effected  in  virtue  of  a 
precautionary  passport. 

Art.  160.  The  transfer  into  the  warehouse  of  goods  coming  from 
another  warehouse,  takes  place  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary  pass- 
port on  all  the  established  routes  in  the  interior  of  the  kingdom. 

When  the  transfer  is  effected  by  the  State  railroad,  between  two 
warehouses  attached  to  this  road  by  a  branch,  the  movement  takes 
place  in  the  manner  prescribed  by  articles  200  and  201. 

Section  VL — Qua^iiities  admitted  to  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  151.  Custom-house  goods  are  entered  into  the  warehouse 
in  all  quantities. 

Art.  152.  Excise  goods  are  entered  into  the  warehouse  in  quan- 
tities not  less  than: 

.  ,    17       .       S  fioc   4  hectols. 

1st.  For  wme,  <  n  i_    .  i 

'  (common   9  hectols. 

2d.  For  foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors,  whatever 

their  strength,  and  liqueurs   3  hectols. 

3d.  For  coarse  cane  sugar   500kilog. 

Quantities  less  than  these  minimum  are  declared  to  be  for  con- 
sumption, with  payment  of  duties  in  cash. 

Section  VII. — Formalities  on  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  153.  On  entry  into  the  warehouse  by  the  State  railroad,  the 
escorts  send  to  the  guards  the  pi ecautionary  passports  delivered  at 
the  first  oflfice  of  entry.  The  comptroller  verifies  the  condition  of 
the  plumbs  or  locks,  and  authorizes  the  admission,  if  they  are  re- 
cognized to  be  inta^ct. 

In  case  of  alteration  of  the  plumbs  or  locks,  the  cais  upon  which 
they  have  been  placed  are  detached  from  t^e  train;  entry  into  the 
warehouse  is  refused  to  them,  and  the  goods  they  have  on  board 
18 


274 


Ex,  Doc-,  No.  57. 


are  subjfxt  to  the  ordinary  importation  rule,  without  prejudice  to 
the  eventual  application  of  the  penalties  determined  by  the  gene- 
ral law.  They  remain  in  charge  of  the  custom  house.  Neverthe- 
less, the  superior  functionary  of  the  residence  may  authorise  their 
entry  into  the  warehouse,  if  there  be  no  suspicion  of  fraud. 

The  cars  introduced  into  the  warehouse  remain  under  plumb^  or 
locked  up  until  they  are  unladen. 

Art.  154.  The  superintendent  copies  the  precautionary  pass- 
port ssent  to  him  into  a  register  kept  for  this  purpose.  He  causes 
to  be  exhibited  to  him,  in  cases  requiring  it,  the  proofs  judged  ne- 
cessary. 

Art.  155.  The  cars  admitted  into  the  warehouse  are  unladen  *s 
soon,  as  authority  therefor  has  been  obtained;  and  the  goods  in 
them  are  deposited,  while  waiting  for  the  document  necessary  for 
their  removal,  in  a  storehouse  specially  appropriated  to  this  object. 

The  goods  temporarily  deposited  in  this  storehouse  are  removed: 

1st.  To  be  definitively  warehoused; 

2d.  For  consumption. 

The  declaration  in  detail,  conformably  with  article  118  of  the 
general  law,  is  made,  at  the  latest,  wuthin  five  days  after  the  ar- 
rival of  the  goods.  It  gives  rise  to  a  detailed  verification  with  the 
same  effect  as  if  this  operation  were  done  at  the  first  office  of  un- 
loading on  entry. 

If  the  declaration  and  removal  are  not  effected  within  the  period 
prescribed,  the  goods  are  considered  as  being  without  any  con- 
signee, and  proceedings  are  gone  into,  conformably  with  article 
117  of  the  general  law. 

Art.  156.  The  verification  being  completed,  the  clerks  state  the 
result  upon  the  back  of  the  precautionary  passport,  which  is  sent 
t©  the  storehouse  keeper,  charged  with  the  reception  of  the  goods. 
The  latter,  after  having  certified  to  their  being  stored,  sends  the 
document  to  the  superintendent,  that  he  may  debit  the  warehouse 
charges. 

Art.  157.  After  the  superintendent  has  ceitified,  by  the  produc- 
tion of  the  precautionary  passport  and  the  certificates  of  lemovai, 
that  this  document  is  regularly  in  order,  he  sends  back  to  the  col- 
lector of  the  entry  office  the  extract  from  the  precautionary  pass- 
.  port  furnishedt  with  the  formalties  required  by  the  law  as  to  transit. 

Art.  158.  Entry  into  the  warehouse  by  any  other  route  than  the 
State  railroad  takes  place  after  verification  and  in  conformity  with 
the  laws  in  force. 

The  clerks  proceed  to  the  admission  according  to  article  156. 

Art.  159.  As  respects  wines  declared  to  be  muddy,  the  propor-/ 
tional  quantity  of  lees  stated  on  entry  into  the  warehouse,  within 
the  limits  of  the  maximum  fixed  by  the  9th  article  of  the  law  of 
the  12th  May,  1819,  serves  as  the  basis  for  the  warehouse  account.;. 

Art.  160.  The  capacity  of  casks  or  bottles,  stated  on  entry  into 
the  warehouse,  of  the  liquors  subject  to  excise,  serves  also  as  the 
basis  fo'  the  warehouse  account. 

The  transportation  of  these  liquors  towards  the  warehouse  is 
furthermore  subject  to  the  following  special  regulations: 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  ^7. 


275 


The  clerks  of  the  first  office  of  unloading  on  entry,  or  those  of 
the  warehouse  at  the  place  of  removal  in  case  of  transfer,  are  re- 
quired— 

a.  To  put  into  bottles  at  least  t  wo  decilitres,  a  sample  of  each 
kind  of  liquor,  according  to  their  kind  or  their  alcoholic  strength. 

b.  To  fasten  these  samples  to  the  inside  of  the  bung  of  the  casks 
crom  which  they  have  been  taken,  or  to  confide  them  to  the  con- 
ductor of  the  laden  vehicle — taking  care,  in  this  latter  case,  to 
carefully  seal  the  bottles — and  to  attach  to  each  of  them,  with  a 
string  and  a  s.eal  of  the  administration,  a  label  showing- the  date  and 
the  number  of  the  precautionary  passport,  and  bearing  their  sig- 
nature. 

c.  To  endorse  upon  this  document  the  number  of  samples  handed 
to  the  conductor,  and  the  numbers  of  the  casks  in  which  they  are, 
as  also  the  numbers  of  those  to  which  each  sample  has  reference, 
rn  order  that  it  may  be  proven,  at  the  time  of  storing,  whether 
the  liquor  presented  is  the  same  exhibited  at  the  office  of  importa- 
tion or  at  the  warehouse  of  the  place  of  departure. 

d.  To  cause  all  the  bungs  of  the  casks  to  be  cut  oflf  level  with 
the  staves,  and  to  affix  the  seal  of  the  administration  in  a  cavity, 
made  partly  in  the  bung  and  partly  in  the  stave. 

e.  To  plumb  the  cases  containing  liquors  transported  in  bottles; 
and  if  they  are  packed  in  baskets  not  furnished  with  wrappers,  to 
cause  these  baskets  to  be  wrapped  in  coarse  bagging,  or  to  be 
packed  in  any  other  manner  to  facilitate  the  plumbing. 

f.  To  preserve  a  duplicate  of  the  samples,  duly  sealed,  and  pro- 
vided with  the  label  mentioned  under  6,  until  the  return  of  the  ex- 
tracts from  the  precautionary  passports,  in  order  to  be  able  to  com- 
pare them  with  those  accompanying  the  transport,  if  any  questions 
arise  at  the  place  of  destination  as  to  the  kind  of  liquors,  or  as  to 
their  alcoholic  strength. 

Section  VIII. — Dispensing  with  storage. 

Art.  161.  If,  after  having  declared  goods  for  public  warehouse, 
the  owner  dispose  of  them  before  they  are  stored,  for  any  of  the 
destinations  authorized,  the  superintendent  may  dispense  with  car- 
rying the  storage  into  effect,  on  the  condition  that  the  fees  for  fif-  * 
teen  days'  storage  be  paid. 

Removal  of  goods  in  such  cases  takes  place  in  conformity  with 
the  formalities  indicated  in  article  225. 

Section  IX. — Position  and  stowage  of  goods. 

Art.  162.  Goods  are  put  away  and  stowed  in  the  manner  indi- 
cated by  the  superintendent.  Those  of  the  same  sort,  but  which 
are  subject  to  different  duties,  according  to  whence  they  came,  or 
their  origin,  the  manner  or  the  flag  of  impo/tation,  are  put  in  dis- 
tinct storehouses,  as  far  as  the  extent  of  room  permits. 

In  case  the  storehouses  are  filled,  the  superintendent  so  certifies 
on  the  back  of  the  document  for  entry,  and  the  surplus  is  disposed 
of  as  prescribed  in  the  20th  section  of  the  present  chapter.  • 


276 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Art.  163.  Goods  damaged  on  the  road  are  necessarily  placed  in 
the  warehouse  with  the  other  sound  goods;  but  they  are  .carefully 
separated  in  the  stowage,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  classified  accord- 
ing to  the  various  degrees  of  damage  stated  in  the  report  of  the 
appraisers. 

Art.  164.  No  change  in  the  storage,  of  such  a  nature  as  to  vary 
the  storehouse  rates,  can  take  place  without  the  authority  of  the 
superintendent. 

This,  officer  also  authorizes  transfers  from  one  storehouse  to  an- 
other, and  the  transcription  of  goods  to  the  name  of  another  de- 
positor, with  or  without  change  of  storehouse.  When  there  has 
not  been  change  of  storehouse,  the  superintendent  requires  that  the 
portion  transferred  shall  be  separated  from  the  remainder,  to  be 
stowed  apart. 

Art.  165.  If  the  number  and  extent  of  the  storehouses  render  it 
necessary,  a  clerk  doing  the  duty  of  a  storehouse  man,  is  charged 
to  keep  a  memorandum  book  for  the  warehouse,  or  for  certain 
storehouses  only. 

This  memorandum  book  states  the  entries  and  exits,  and  the 
changes  arising  from  transcriptions  or  changes  occurring  in  the 
stowage  or  packing. 

The  documents  of  entry  and  exit,  the  authorities  for  transcrip- 
tion, for  change  of  storehouse,  and  for  changes  in  stowage  or  pack^ 
ing,  are  subject  to  the  inspection  of  the  storehouse  man. 

Art.  166.  The  depositor  puts  labels  upon  the  goods,  and  sees  to 
their  preservation. 

The  label,  before  being  put  on,  is  presented  for  inspection  to  the 
storekeeper,  who  puts  upon  it  the  number  inscribed  in  his  memo- 
randum book.  It  is  not  modified  as  long  as  the  goods  it  relates  to 
remain,  in  whole  or  in  part,  in  the  same  storehouse,  and  under  the 
same  name. 

After  the  removal  of  the  goods  thus  labelled,  it  is  retired  and 
preserved  by  the  storekeeper. 

If  there  be  no  storekeeper,  the  labels  are  countersigned  by  the 
superintendent. 

Section  X. — Changes  in  packings  and  manipulation  of  goods. 

Art.  167.  Depositors  who  wish  to  make  changes  in  the  packing 
of  goods,'  so  declare  beforehand,  in  writing,  to  the  superintendent. 

Goods  which  are  subject  by  the  custom-house  tariff  to  different 
duties,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  cases  in  which  they^  are 
packed,  cannot  be  packed  in  new  cases,  the  nature  of  which 
would  change  the  basis  of  these  duties. 

The  marks  borne  upon  the  original  cases  are  replaced  upon  the 
new  cases. 

The  clerks  make  a.  report  of  the  operation,  and  state  the  gross 
weight  and  net  weight  of  the  new  cases.  The  accounts  and 
memorandum  books  are  modified  according  to  the  statements  in 
this  report,  and  the  net  weight  stated  serves  as  the  basis  for  the 
eventual  liquidation  of  the  duties. 

J' 


Ex.  Doc.  No,  57. 


277 


Art.  168.  The  cases  may  be  divided,  and  the  goods  unpacked., 
In  order  to  be  picked,  assorted,  examined,  &c.  But  manufactured 
articles  cannot,  under  any  circumstances,  be  displayed,  in  order 
to  be  exposed  for  sale. 

These  operations  fall  under  the  application  of  the  preceding 
article,  and  require  the  previous  statement  of  the  gross  and  net 
weight.  This  latter  serves  as  the  basis  for  the  eventual  liquida- 
tion of  the  duties.  In  case  of  the  exrt  from  the  warehouse  of  a 
portion  of  the  goods,  the  net  weight  of  this  portion  is  stated  and 
deducted  from  the  total  weight  of  the  quantity  warehoused. 

If  the  opening  of  the  cases  be  merely  temporary,  in  order  to 
examine  the  goods,  or  to  take  samples,  the  superintendent  may 
authorize  it  without  a  statement  of  the  net  weight  being  made; 
but  on  the  condition  of  its  being  done  in  presence  of  the  clerks. 

Art.  169f  It  is  forbidden  to  mix  or  confound  in  the  same  case 
goods  of  the  same  kind  subject  to  ditFerent  duties. 

But  wines,  subject  to  different  excise  duties,  may  be  mixed 
under  the  conditions  to  be  prescribed  by  the  minister  of  finance: 

Art.  170.  Save  the  restriction  established  by  the  preceding 
article,  deposilsors  may  water,  mix,  decant,  &c.,  the  liquors  sub- 
ject to  excise. 

Section  XI. — Transfer  of  goods  without  change  in  the  warehouse. 

Art.  171.  Transfer  of  goods  without  change  in  the  warehouse 
is  accomplished  through  the  formalities  indicated  in  article  165, 
upon  the  simple  declaration  of  the  party  transferring  them,  ac- 
cepted  by  the  new  depositor. 

Section  XII. — Preservation  of  goods. 

Art.  172.  Depositors  are  required  to  watch  over  the  good  pre- 
servation of  their  merchandise. 

Should  they  neglect  to  do  so,  the  superintendent  invites  their 
attention  thereto  in  writing. 

If  necessary,  the  superintendent  formally  requires  of  the  de- 
positor to  give  to  his  goods,  every  week,  the  necessary -care, 
under  the  penalty  of  being  deprived  of  the  benefit  of  the  ware- 
house. If  the  depositor  does  not  obey  this  requisition,  the  goods 
cease  to  be  put  under  the  regulations  of  the  warehouse.  They 
must  be  declared  for  consumption  before  the  expiration  of  the 
following  month,  or  removed  from  the  warehouse  by  the  appli- 
cation of  the  23d  article  of  the  law. 

Art.  173.  Foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors,  deteriorated  or 
weakened  by  evaporation  below  45°  of  the  centesimal  alcohol 
hydrometer,  at  the  temperature  of  15°  of  the  centigrade  ther- 
mometer, may,  on  the  previous  authority  of  the  administration, 
be  removed  from  the  warehouse,  in  ordar  to  be  rectified  under  the 
superintendence  of  the  clerks. 

The  removal  takes  place  after  declaration  and  verification,  in 
virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport. 


278 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Custom-house  and  excise  duties  are  recovered  upon  the  portions 
of  liquors  not  returned  into  the  warehouse  within  the  period  fixed 
by  the  document. 

Section  XIII. —  Goods  ^damaged  on  the  road. 

Art.  174.  Goods  damaged  on  the  road  are  not  admitted  into  the 
warehouse  until  the  amount  of  damage  they  have  sustained  is 
staled,  conformably  with  article  126  of  the  general  law. 

The  causes  of  the  damage  must  be  proven  by  means  of  the 
shipping  papers,  or  other  authentic  documents  which  may  serre 
as  proof. 

The  veiification  of  the  damage,  before  admission  into  the  ware- 
house, takes  places  in  the  discharging  office. 

Art.  175.  The  reduction  of  duties  accorded  on  account  of  dam- 
age, conformably  with  article  126  of  the  general  law,  bears  only 
upon  the  custom-house  entry  duties,  and  can  be  allowed  only  at 
the  moment  of  exposure  for  consumption,  and  according  to  the 
degree  of  damage  then  existing. 

This  reduction  cannot,  in  any  case,  be  calculated  at  the  rate  of 
a  higher  degree  of  damage  than  that  stated  at  the  discharging 
office. 

Art.  176.  The  degree  of  damage  stated,  as  mentioned  in  article 
174,  is  indicated  in  the  document  for  entry.  The  report  of  the  ap- 
praisers is  held  in  support  of  this  document,  and  remains  annexed 
to  the  account. 

Art.  177.  The  appraisement  in  the  account,  as  well  as  the  bal- 
ancing thereof  takes  place  according  to  the  provisions  of  the 
present  regulation.  But  damaged  goods  may,  on  leaving  the  ware- 
house, be  removed  by  transfer  into  another  warehouse,  or  be  de- 
clared for  consumption,  free  transit,  or  ordinary  transit.  When 
there  is  a  transfer  into  another  warehouse,  or  transit,  the  amount 
of  damage'is  again  verified  before  removal,  according  to  article  126- 
of  the  general  law,  and,  if  it  be  less  than  the  amount  of  damage 
recognized  conformably  with  article  174,  it  alone  is  stated  upon 
the  document  required  for  the  transportation. 

Wl^en  exposed  for  consumption,  the  reduction  of  the  custom- 
house duties  is  calculated  according  to  the  degree  of  damage  stated 
at  the  office  of  unloading,  unless  the  superintendent  considers  that 
the  real  damage,  at  the  time  of  exit  be  less,  in  which  case  it  must 
foe  stated  de  novo. 

Section  XIV. — Searches, 

Art.  178.  The  public  warehouse  is  searched  at  least  once  a  year. 
If  more  than  one  search  be  judged  necessary,  the  clerks  proceed 
to  make  it  in  virtue  of  a  written  and  special  authority  from  th 
superior  officer  in  the  arrogidissement. 

The  search  of  the  whole,  or  of  a  portion  of  the  storehouses* 
takes  place  by  the  enumeration  of  the  cases,  and  a  summary  ex- 
amination of  the  quantities  according  to  the  weight  or  measure- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


279 


merit  taken  ou.  entry,  but  this  is  done  with  more  exactness,  if  any 
notable  difference  appear,  or  if  any  question  arise.  The  superin- 
tendent assists  in  the  search,  and  invites  the  depositor  to  be  present 
at  it. 

Art.  179.  The  articles  found  over  and  above  are  appraised,  and 
subjected  to  storage  rates  according  to  the  rule  laid  down  in 
article  206. 

Those  not  found  are  marked  credited  in  the  account.  For  mis- 
sing articles  exceeding  one  per  cent,  of  the  appraisement,  this 
credit  is  not  definitive,  in  what  concerns  the  State  duties,  until 
after  having  been  approved  by  the  director  in  the  province. 

Art.  180.  The  superintendent  draws  up  a  statement  of  the  mis- 
si»g  articles  exceeding  one  per  cent,  of  the  appraisement  found  to 
be  so  missing  after  search,  or  in  any  other  manner;  he  supports  it 
with  the  testimony  necessary  to  prove  the  fact  of  their  being  mis- 

This  statement  being  sent  to  the  director,  is  furnished  by  him 
with  the  authority  to  credit  the  account,  if  no  doubt  exists  that 
these  diminutions  are  the  result  of  natural  wastage.  If  the  direc- 
tor be  not  convinced  of  this,  he  orders  an  inquiry  into  the  causes 
of  the  diminution,  in  order  to  obtain,  if  necessary,  proof  of  the 
fraudulent  removal  of  the  goods.  This  proof  being  made,  the 
superintendent  prosecutes  the  recovery  of  the  State  duties  from  the 
owner  of  the  missing  articles. 

The  superintendent  credits  the  account,  without  previous  au- 
thority, with  the  missing  articles,  not  exceeding  one  per  cent,  of  the 
appraisement. 

Art.  181.  The  depositor  has  always  the  right  to  claim  a  search 
for  the  goods  deposited  in  his  name,  in  order  to  protect  himself 
from  the  payment  of  storage  fees  upon  the  articles  he  may  believe 
to  be  missing. 

Art.  182.  The  clerks  draw  up  a  report  of  the  search,  and  send 
it  to  the  superintendent  to  be  annexed  to  the  account,  after  the  sup- 
plementary appraisement,  in  case  of  excess,  or  the  credit,  in  case 
of  articles  missing,  has  been  made  up. 

Section  XV. — Movement  of  goods  on  exit  from  the  warehouse . 

Art.  183.  Warehoused  goods  are  removed: 
1st.  By  free  transit; 
2d.  By  ordinary  transit; 
3d.  By  transfer  into  another  warehouse; 
.  4th.  For  consumption. 

Art.  184.  Free  transit  takes  place  by  the  State  railroad. 

Free  transit  can  be  renounced  only  at  the  warehouse  itself,  or 
at  the  last  office  of  exit. 

On  going  out  from  the  warehouse,  free  transit  takes  place,  upon 
sending  to  the  superintendent  the  duplicates  of  the  bills  of  lading, 
and  according  to  the  formalities  prescribed  in  articles  200  and  201. 

Art.  185.  The  following  articles  are  excluded  from  free  transit: 

1-t.  Refined  salt,  sea-waier,  and  brine; 


280 


Ex.  Doc  No.  57. 


2d.  Foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors,  and  liqueurs; 

3d.  Refined  sugars; 

4th.  Rao^s  and  shreds; 

5th.  Building  stone; 

6th.  Vinegar  of  all  kinds; 

7th.  Sea-fish; 

Sth.  Iron,  namely — ore,  castings,  unwrought,  in  pigs  or  in  plates, 
or  other  forms,  beaten  or  drawn  out,  in  bars,  rods,  and  carillons^ 
including  grooved  bars,  called  rails,  and  iron  plates,  cast  and 
wrought  anchors,  old  iron,  clippings,  and  refuse; 

9th.  Arms  and  munitions  of  war:  the  transit  of  these  is  specially 
authorized  by  the  director  in  the  province — by  the  offices  located 
upon  the  frontiers  bordering  upon  countries  at  peace  with  Belgium; 

10th.  Spun  and  woven  flax  and  hemp,  bound  for  France,  pending 
the  duration  of  the  convention  of  December  13,  1845,  with  that 
country. 

Goods  to  which  transit  is  not  prohibited  may  be  removed  from 
the  warehouse  exempt  from  duties,  for  free  transit,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  slates  and  pit  coal,  which  remain  subject  to  the  duties 
fixed  by  article  36,  (slate,  letter  D,)  of  the  law  of  June  18,  1836, 

But  slates  and  pit  coal,  coming  from  or  bound  to  the  United 
States  of  America,  are  admitted  to  transit  by  the  State  railroad, 
exempt  from  duties,  conformably  to  the  I8th  article  of  the  treaty 
of  November  10,  1845. 

Art.  186.  Ordinary  transit  takes  place  without  specification  of 
the  ways  adopted  for  arriving  at  or  leaving  the  warehouse. 

Exit  from  the  warehouse  takes  place  after  declaration  and  veri- 
fication, conformably  with  the  law  of  June  18,  1836,  in  virtue  of  a 
transit  receipt. 

Saving  the  prohibitions  enumerated  in  the  preceding  article,  and 
the  exemptions  from  duties  established  by  the  laws  in  force,  goods 
are  remored  from  the  warehouse,  for  ordinary  transit,  upon  pay- 
ment of  the  duties. 

Art.  187.  Article  150  applies  to  exit  from  the  warehouse  by 
transfer  to  another  warehouse. 

A^.T.  188.  Goods  to  which  entry  is  not  prohibited  are  removed 
from  the  warehouse  for  consumption,  after  declaration  in  detail 
and  verification,  and  according  to  the  formalities  and  under  the 
conditions  prescribed  by  the  laws  in  force. 

The  custom-house  duties  are,  in  all  cases,  paid  in  cash  before 
the  verification  and  removal.  Excise  duties  are  paid  or  may  be 
appraised  upon  limited  credit  after  verification. 

Removal  take?  place: 

1st.  For  custom-house  goods; 

a.  In  virtue  of  a  receipt  for  payment,  if  they  are  declared  ac- 
cording to  article  120  of  the  general  law; 

b.  In  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport,  if  they  are  declared 
according  to  article  122  of  said  law; 

2d.  For  excise  goods,  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport,  sta- 
ting that  the  excise  shall  be  paid  in  cash,  or  shall  be  appraised  on 
limited  credit. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


281 


A.RT.  189.  Samples,  whatever  may  be  their  value,  are  removable 
from  the  warehouse  only  upon  payment  of  the  duties  in  cash. 

This  payment  may,  however,  be  made  monthly  upon  the  autho- 
;ity  of  the  superintendent. 

In  order  to  enjoy  this  benefit,  the  depositor  states,  on  the  re- 
moval from  the  warehouse,  the  number,  weight,  measurement,  or 
value  of  the  samples — the  removal  of  which  he  acknowledges  in 
writing.  .  He  moreover  conforms  to  the  provisions  of  the  special 
regulation  relative  to  this  object. 

Section  XVI. — Quantities  allowed  to  go  out  of  the  warehouse. 

Art.  190.  Upon  going  out  of  the  warehouse  for  free  transit,  or 
ordinary  transit,  or  by  transfer  into  another  warehouse,  custom- 
house goods  are  removed  in  all  quantities,  except  cordage  of  all 
kinds,  which  cannot  be  shipped  by  the  sea,  nor  by  the  Scheldt,  in 
less  quantles  than  1,000  kilogrammes. 

Art.  191.  The  transfer  into  another  warehouse  of  wines,  alco- 
holic liquors  and  liqueurs,  and  of  coarse  sug^r,  is  made  in  the  limit 
of  the  quantities  stated  in  article  152. 

Art.  192.  The  exit  from  the  w^arehouse  of  excise  good?,  removed 
for  free  transit  or  ordinary  transit,  cannot  occur  in  less  quantities 
than : 

1  .  t:,  I  fine   1  hectoL 

1st.  r  or  wine,  >  >i  u    ^  i 

^  )  common   4  nectols. 

2d.  For  coarse  cane  sugar   500  kilogrammes. 

Art.  193.  On  exit  from  the  warehouse  for  consumption,  the 
quantities  of  custom  house  goods  are  limited  conformably  with  the 
provisions  of  the  special  regulation. 

The  minimum  of  the  quantities  regulated  in  virtue  of  the  19th 
article  of  the  law  being  also  to  be  observed  when  the  goods  are 
exposed  for  consumption  in  consequence  of  transit  being  renounced, 
the  rates  are  paid  so  as  to  equal  this  minimum,  though  the  quanti- 
ties stated  in  the  transit  receipt  do  not  come  up  to  it. 

Art.  194.  Exit  from  the  warehouse  of  excise  goods,  removed  for 

€onsumption,  cannot  take  place  in  less  quantities  than: 

,  .  T7,       .      ?  fine   2hectols..» 

1st.  h  or  wine,  >  n  u    ^  i 

^  J  common   9  hectols. 

2d.  For  foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors, what- 
ever may  be  their  strength,  and  liqueurs . .      1  hectol. 

3d.  For  coarse  cane  sugar   500  kilogrammes. 

In  case  of  removal  for  consumption  upon  payment  of  the  excise 
in  cash,  the  minimum  fixed  by  the  present  article  is  not  observed 
if  the  goods  declared  are  the  remainder  of  an  appraisement.  More- 
over, as  relates  to  sugar,  deliveries  made  to  private  individuals 
take  place  upon  payment  of  the  excise  in  cash,  in  quantities  of  50 
kilogrammes  or  upwards. 

^  Section  XVII. — Formalities  on  exit  from  the  warehouse. 

Art.  195.  No  goods  can  be  removed  from  the  warehouse  unless 
a  declaration  for  exit  has  been  sent  to  the  superintendent  with  the 


282 


Ex,  Doc,  No,  57. 


ackaow'iedginent  of  reception  mentioned  in  article  217.  There 
must  be  as  many  distinct  declprations  as  there  are  destinations  and 
modes  of  removal. 

This  declaration  recites,  besides: 

1st.  The  mode  of  transportation; 

2d.  The  name  of  the  vessel  which  imported  the  goods,  and  that 
of  her  captain; 
3d.  The  flag; 

4th.  Whence  they  come,  and  where  bound; 

5th.  The  kind  of  goods,  and,  if  necessary,  place  of  production; 
6th.  The  number  and  marks  of  the  cases; 

7th.  The  weight,  number,  measurement,  value,  &c.,  of  the  arti- 
cles, according  as  these  indications  are  necessary  for  the  eventual 
application  of  the  duties; 

8ih.  The  name  of  the  party  to  whom  sent,  if  the  goods  are  to  be 
transferred  to  another  w^arehouse  or  declared  for  consumption  un- 
der the  rule  of  credit  for  the  excise. 

In  reference  to  goods  subject  to  different  duties,  the  declaration 
must  mention  if  the  transportation  has  been  made  directly,  or  if 
there  has  been  any  stoppage;  in  the  latter  case,  the  port  of  stop- 
page is  to  be  indicated. 

Art.  196.  The  declaration  prescribed  by  the  preceding  article, 
when  it  is  made: 

1st.  For  ordinary  transit; 

2d.  For  transfer  into  a  public  warehouse  not  attached  to  the 
State  railroad,  or  into  a  private  or   warehouse; 

3d.  For  consumption; 
is  countersigned  by  the  superintendent,  after  he  has  verified  its  ac- 
cordance wuth  the  account  and  the  acknowledgment  of  reception,  in 
order  that  the  collector  of  the  customs  of  the  place  may  be  autho- 
rized to  deliver  the  documents  required  by  the  general  law,  or,  ac- 
cording .to  the  case,  by  the  law  of  .transit.  Under  these  circum- 
stances, the  declarations  furnish  the  indications  required  by  the 
said  laws,  and  they  are  made  of  the  same  efiect  as  if  they  had  origi- 
nated in  the  first  office  of  entry. 

Art.  197.  When  the  declaration  is  made: 

rtt.  For  free  transit; 

2nd.  For  transfer  by  the  State  railroad  into  a  warehouse  attach- 
ed  to  this  road  by  a  branch,  it  is  countersigned  by  the  superinten- 
dent, after  he  has  verified  its  accordance  with  the  account  and  ac- 
knowledgment of  reception,  and  he  authorizes  the  removal  and  the 
lading  of  the  goods  in  the  cars. 

Art.  198.  Under  the  circumstances  provided  for  in  the  preceding 
article,  the  declaration  for  exit,  clothed  with  the  authority  for  re- 
moval, is  sent  to  the  comptroller,  who  designates  the  clerks  charg- 
ed to  assist  in  carrying  out  the  goods  from  the  warehouse  and  load- 
ing them  in  the  cars. 

Art.  199.  The  clerks  designated  for  this  duty  keep  a  memon^- 
dum  book,  in  which  they  note  the  goods  as  fast  as  they  are  laden 
in  the  cars. 

Unless  there  be  suspicion  of  fraud,  the  clerks  merely  state  sum- 
jnarily  the  quantities  by  enumeration  of  the  cases  and  memorandum 


4 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


283 


of  tlie  marks  and  numbers.  But  if  they  have  any  doubts  as  to  the 
kind  of  goods,  they  are  to  open  one  or  more  cases. 

The  lading  being  finished,  they  state  the  result  thereof  on  the 
back  of  the  declaration  for  exit,  which  they  send  to  the  superin- 
tendent. The  latter  credits  the  account  with  the  quantities  stated 
in  the  certificate  of  the  clerks,  makes  the  same  credi  tupon  the  cer- 
tificate of  reception,  which  he  then  resores  to  the  depositor,  and  he 
preserves  in  support  of  the  account  the  declaration  for  exit. 

Art.  200.  When  the  loading  of  the  cars  composing  a  train  is 
completed,  the  superintendent  causes  to  be  produced  to  him  the 
duplicate  bills  of  lading.  After  having  compared  .these  documents 
with  the  declarations  for  exit,  preserved  in  support  of  the  account 
conformably  with  the  preceding  article,  he  affixes  them,  by  means 
of  the  administration  seal,  to  a  transit  receipt  or  to  a  precautionary 
passport,  which  he  delivers  to  cover  the  transport  to  the  last  office 
of  exit  or  to  the  warehouse  of  destination. 

Art.  201.  The  train,  escorted  by  the  clerks,  pursues  its  route 
towards  its  destination  according  to  the  formalities  and  under  the 
conditions  prescribed  by  the  royal  decree  of  5th  June,  1845.  (Mo- 
niteur.  No.  158.) 

On  arriving  at  the  last  office  of  exit,  the  clerks  examine  the  state 
of  the  plumbs,  and  if  they  are  intact,  they  credit  the  transit  receipt, 
the  return  of  which  is  made  to  the  superintendent  in  the  ordinary 
way. 

In  case  of  .suspicion  of  fraud,  or  if  the  pluncibs  are  altered,  they 
proceed  to  make  a  thorough  verification. 

Art.  202.  After  the  documents  required  in  the  cases  provided 
for  by  article  196  have  been  delivered  by  the  collector  of  the  cus- 
toms, the  comptroller  designates  the  clerks  charged  with  proceed- 
ing to  the  verification  of  the  goods. 

Art.  203.  The  totality  of  the  goods  comprised  in  each  document 
is  to  be  collected  together  before  the  verification  can  commence. 

l^he  result  of  the  verification,  which  is  always  integral,  is  stated 
by  the  clerks  on  the  back  of  the  documents.  These  papers  are  then 
sent  to  the  superintendent,  who  credits  the  account  with  the  quan- 
tities stated  in  the  certificate  of  the  clerks,  and  makes  the  same 
credit  upon  the  acknowledgment  of  reception,  which  he  then  re- 
turns to  the  depositor.  This  being  done,  the  superintendent  coun- 
tersigns the  documents  to  authorize  the  exit  from  the  warehouse. 

Art.  204.  The  declarations  made  in  order  to  obtain  the  exit, free 
from  custom-house  and  excise  duties,  of  the  lees  arising  from  wines 
clarified  in  the  warehouse,  are  countersigned  by  the  superintendent 
in  order  to  authorize  the  collector  of  the  customs  of  the  place  to 
deliver  the  document  for  exit.  The  superintendent  previously  sat- 
isfies himself  whether  the  exit  requested  can  take  place  within  the 
limits  of  the  charges  on  account  of  lees. 

For  the  surplus,  action  is  had  according  to  the  foregoing  article. 

^  Section  XVIII. — Storehouse  fees. 

Art.  205.  The  tariff  of  storehouse  rates  is  fixed  by  the  special 
regulation. 


284 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  5T 


These  rates  are  paid  into  the  office  of  the  superintendent  upon 
quittance. 

Art.  206.  The  quantities  enumerated  in  the  storehousinqr  certifi- 
cates attached  to  the  documents  for  entry  into  the  warehouse,  de- 
duction being  made  of  the  quantities  regularly  removed,  serve  as 
the  basis  for  the  storehouse  rates. 

Storehouse  rates  are  to  be  exacted  upon  all  missing  articles,  un- 
less the  depositor  causes  them  to  be  reported  by  the  clerks. 

If,  in  consequence  of  a  search,  or  in  any  other  manner,  a  surplus 
of  goods  be  discovered,  a  supplementary  appraiseme'nt  takes  place, 
which  takes  date  counting  from  the  day  of  the  last  settlement  of 
account  for  storehouse  rates. 

Art.  207.  Storehouse  rates  are  due  upon  all  goods  introduced 
into  the  warehouse,  and  into  the  temporary  place  of  deposite  men- 
tioned in  article  223. 

Goods  deposited  in  the  name  of  the  administration,  as  well  as 
articles  addressed  to  the  government,  to  the  ambassadors  or  minis- 
ters of  foreign  powers  accredited  to  the  Belgian  government,  are 
alone  excepted. 

Art.  208.  Storehouse  rates  are  charged  by  whole  months,  count- 
ing from  the  first  of  the  month  during  which  the  storage  has  com- 
menced. 

Eut,  as  relates  to  goods  introduced  in  the  course  of  the  month, 
and  removed  before  the  corresponding  daj'  of  the  following  month, 
rates  are  not  due  for  the  month  during  which  the  removal  took 
place. 

When  the  goods  enumerated  in  a  document  for  removal  cannot 
all  be  removed  before  the  expiration  of  the  month,  rates  are  due 
upon  the  whole  of  them  for  the  following  month. 

Art.  209.  When,  in  the  cases  provided  for  by  articles  226  to 
230,  goods  are  deposited  in  the  storehouses  of  the  warehouse, 
storehouse  rates  are  due  at  the  rate  of  the  real  duration  of  the  de- 
posite, if  it  be  for  ten  days  or  more. 

Art.  210.  In  case  of  transcription,  storehouse  rates  are  due  by 
the  new  depositor,  counting  from  the  expiration  of  the  month  dur- 
ing which  the  transcription  took  place. 

Art.  211.  Storehouse  rates  are  to  be  exacted  on  the  first  day  of 
each  quarter  for  the  quarter  expired. 

But  they  may  be  exacted  at  the  time  of  the  removal  or  transcrip- 
tion of  the  goods,  if  the  depositor  has  no  longer  in  the  warehouse 
any  goods  which  might  be  pledged  for  the  amount  of  rates  due. 

Art.  212.  At  the  expiration  of  each  quarter  the  superintendent 
sends  to  the  depositor  the  account  for  the  rates  due  by  him. 

This  account  must  be  paid  within  five  days  from  its  date;  in 
failure  whereof,  proceedings  are  to  be  entered  into,  conformably 
with  article  23' of  the  law. 

Payment  cannot  be  delayed  on  account  of  a  claim.  In  case  of 
error  in  the  account,  restitution  will  be  made  by  order  o^  the 
minister. 

Art.  213.  Every  three  months  the  rates  received  are  deposited 
in  the  corporate  treasury. 


Ex,  Doc.  No.  57. 


285 


Section  XIX. —  Warehouse  accounts. 

Art.  214.  The  superintendent  keeps  a  register  stating,  for  each 
entry  of  goods  into  the  warehouse,  the  data  for  the  calculation  of 
the  storehouse  rates,  and  eventually  for  the  liquidation  of  the  State 
duties,  according  to  the  place  whence  they  come,  or  the  origin  of 
the  goods,  or  according  to  the  mode  or  flag  of  importation 

Art.  215.  The  account  is  debited: 

1st.  On  importation  by  sea; 

2d.  On  importation  by  the  State  railroad; 

3d.  On  importation  by  land,  canals,  or  rivers; 

4tb.  By  transfer  from  a  free  warehouse,  or  from  another  public 
warehouse; 

With  the  quantities  stated  by  the  clerks  on  the  back  of  the  docu- 
ments furnished  with  the  certificate  for  storage. 

Art.  216.  Goods  are  inscribed  in  the  account  in  the  name  of  the 
person,  conductor  or  consignee,  who  has  presented  them  for  verifi- 
cation on  entry  into  the  warehouse.  They  are  delivered  to  him 
only,  or  to  the  person  who  has  had  the  transcription  regularly 
made  to  his  name. 

The  consignee,  in  order  to  be  recognized  as  such,  must  accept 
the  goods  by  signing  to  this  effect  the  certificate  attached  to  the 
document  for  storage. 

Art.  217.  The  superintendent  delivers  to  the  depositor,  accord- 
ing to  the  inscriptions  in  the  account  and  for  each  entry,  an  ac- 
knowledgment of  th«  receipt  of  the  goods. 

Art.  218.  On  exhibition  of  the  declaration  of  transcription  men- 
tioned in  article  171,  the  superintendent  makes  the  transcription  in 
the  accounts  and  delivers  an  acknowledgment  of  receipt  upon  the 
return  of  the  one  of  which  the  first  depositor  was  the  holder. 

If  the  transcription  comprise  only  a  portion  of  the  goods  men- 
tioned in  the  acknowledgement  of  reception,  the  superintendent 
does  not  retire  this  document,  on  the  back  of  which  he  notes,  in 
this  case,  the  quantity  comprising  the  transcription. 

Art.  219.  Respecting  damaged  goods,  the  account  and  the  ac- 
knowledgment of  reception  mention  the  degree  of  damage. 

If  the  document  for  entry  includes  sound  goods  at  the  same  time 
with  damaged  goods,  the  superintendent  opens  an  account  for  each 
kind  and  delivers  distinct  acknowledgments. 

Art.  220.  The  account  is  credited  with  the  quantities  stated  by 
the  clerks  on  exit  from  the  warehouse: 

1.  Free  transit; 

2.  For  ordinary  transit; 

3.  By  transfer  into  a  public,  private,  or  constructive  warehouse; 

4.  For  consumption. 

It  is  credited  within  the  limit  of  the  appraisement,  with  the 
quantity  of  lees  arising  from  wines  clarified  in  the  warehouse, 
■wdiich  are  verified  on  going  out  for  consumption,  exempt  from 
custom-house  and  excise  duties. 

It  is  also  credited,  upoji  the  special  authority  of  the  minister, 
with  the  goodsj  not  prohibited  to  transit,  transferred  from  a  public 


285 


Ex,  Doc.  No.  57. 


warehouse  attached  to  the  state  railroad  by  a  branch,  into  a  free 
warehouse,  in  following  this  route  without  interruption  from  the 
public  warehouse  into  the  enclosure  of  the  free  warehouse. 

Art.  221.  The  accounts  are  not  closed  in  consequence  of  a 
search,  unless  this  search  show  a  quantity  missing  or  in  excess, 
giving  rise  to  contest.  In  this  case,  the  quantity  found  is  inscribed 
in  a  new  account,  and  the  superir.tendent  delivers  an  acknowledg- 
ment.for  reception  in  exchange  for  the  one  to  which  the  excess  or 
deficiency  has  relation. 

On  the  matter  being  closed,  the  accounts  are  drawn  up;  the  in- 
scriptions of  the  goods  on  hand  are  carried  to  a  new  account;  the 
quantities  inscribed  in  credit  are  added  up  and  carried  to  the  credit 
of  the  new  account,  without  the  necessity  of  exchanging  the  cer- 
tificates of  reception. 

Section  ^li.— Destination  of  the  goods  refused  on  account  of  the 
warehouse  being  filed. 

Art.  222.  Goods  refused  entry  into  the  warehouse  on  account  of 
its  being  filled,  may,  under  the  conditions  and  saving  the  excep- 
tions or  prohibitions  established  by  the  laws,  by  the  present  regu- 
lation and  by  special  regulation,  be.  declared: 

1.  Free  transit  or  ordinary  transit; 

2.  Destined  for  another  public,  private,  or  constructive  ware- 
house; 

3.  For  consumption. 

Owners,  when  they  do  not  wish  to  avail  themselves  of  the  benefit 
granted  them  by  the  present  article,  claim  from  the  corporate  au- 
thority the  designation  of  a  temporary  place  of  deposite,  which  is 
agreed  to  by  the  director  in  the  province,  after  he  is  satisfied  that 
the  place  indicated  offers  the  guarantees  required  for  securityc 

Art.  223.  The  temporary  place  of  deposite  should,  as  far  as 
possible,  be  selected  close  to  the  warehouse.  It  is  confided  to  the 
exclusive  guardianship  of  the  administration  of  direct  contributions, 
customs  and  excise. 

It  is  pat  under  the  same  regime  as  the  warehouse,  except  that 
the  declaration  and  verification  on  entry  and  exit  take  place  con- 
formably with  the  provisions  decreed  in  the  present  regulation,  in 
what  concerns  the  public  warehouse  not  attached  to  the  State  rail- 
road. 

The  temporary  place  of  deposite  receives  no  more  goods  when  it 
is.possible  to  stow  them  in  the  warehouse. 

Art.  224.  Except  in  the  foregoing  provisions,  the  director  may, 
when  the  corporate  authority  and  the  owner  claim  it  together,  ad- 
mit as  a  temporary  place  of  deposite,  a  storehouse  designated  by 
the  latter.    In  this  case,  the  following  provisions  are  applicable: 

1st.  The  temporary  place  of  deposite  is  agreed  to  on  compliance 
with  the  formalities,  and  on  the  conditions  prescribed  for  private 
warehouses; 

2d.  It  is  searched  and  superintended  like  these  warehouses,  and 
with  the  same  effect^ 


Ex.  Doe.  No,  57, 


287 


3(1.  Custom-house  and  excise  duties  are  paid  immediately  in  cash 
upon  missing  goods  found  to  be  so  missing,  on  search  or  in  any 
other  manner; 

4th.  The  expenses  of  opening  and  shutting  are  borne  by  the 
owner;  they  are  fixed  at  thirty  centimes  per  hour,  the  hour  com- 
menced is  paid  in  full;  one  day's  opening  free  of  charge  may  be 
granted  every  five  days  in  order  to  air  the  storehouses  holding 
grain,  or  to  stir  the  grain;  all  other  operations  give  rise  to  the  pay- 
ment of  the  expenses; 

The  op'ening  on  requisition  of  the  clerks  is  effected  without 
charge. 

'  5th.  The  goods  on  entry  into  and  exit  from  the  temporary  place 
of  deposite,  are  declared  in  detail,  and  verified  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed for  private  warehouses;  they  are  besides  put  under  the 
regime  regulated  for  the  free  warehouse; 

6th.  On  failure  of  execution  of  one  or  other  of  these  conditions, 
the  temporary  place  of  deposite  is  suppressed  by  the  application 
of  the  56th  article  of  the  law; 

This  temporary  place  of  deposite  receives  no  more  goods  when 
it  is  possible  to  stow  them  in  the  warehouse. 

Section  XX i. — Destination  of  goods  excluded  from  the  warehouse 
on  account  of  their  character. 

Art.  225.  Goods  refused  entry  into  the  warehou  e  on  account  of 
their  character,  mayj  according  to  the  regime  of  the  warehouse  to 
which  they  are  destined,  be  declared: 

1st.  For  free  transit; 

2d.  For  ordinary  transit; 

3d.  For  consumption; 

The  declaration,  unloading,  verification  and  removal  of  these 
goods  take  place  according  to  the  formalities,  and  under  the  \  on- 
ditions  prescribed  for  importation*  by  the  laws  in  force. 

Section  XXII. — Timporary  deposite  in  the  warehouse. 

Art.  226.  The  following  articles  are  deposited  in  the  warehouse, 
after  declaration  and  verification  conformably  to  the  general  law, 
and  on  observing  such  other  provisions  as  may  be  prescribed  by 
the  minister: 

1st.  Ship's  provisions; 

2d.  Goods  from  vessels  whose  voyages  are  not  completed,  (en  re- 
tache;) 

3d.  Wrecks;  articles  or  goods  saved  from  shipwreck; 

4th.  Goods  of  Belgian  origin  returned  un^jold  from  abroad,  and 
those  which  having  been  cleared  for  a  country  where  they  have 
not  been  permitted  to  be  introduced,  in  consequence  of  a  prohibi- 
tion of  which  the  exporter  was  not  aware  until  after  their  depar- 
ture,, are  re-imported  into  Belgmm; 

5th.  Articles  imported  to  be  delivered  free  from  duties; 


288 


Ex.  Doc.  N.  57. 


6th.  Prohibited  goods,  those  unknown,  without  consignee,  or 
refused  by  the  persons  to  whom  addressed; 

7th.  Goods  to  which  the  administration  has  made  application  of 
articles  23  and  56,  section  2,  of  the  law; 

Tliese  several  goods  are  re-exported,  delivered  free  from  duties, 
declared  for  consumption,  or  exposed  to  public  sale,  according  to 
the  prescriptions  of  the  general  law. 

Art.  227.  Transit  goods,  the  transportation  of  which  is  inter- 
rupted, may  be  deposited,  conformably  with  article  16  of  the  law 
upon  transit,  in  a  storehouse  of  the  warehouse. 

Art.  228.  Coarse  or  refined  salt,  derived  from  the  national  fish- 
ery, may  be  deposited  in  a  special  storehouse  of  the  warehouse,  rn 
the  place  of  fitting  out  of  the  fishing  smacks  which  brought  it  in, 
exempt  from  excise. 

This  deposite  takes  place  in  the  manner  and  upon  the  conditions 
prescribed  by  the  regulation  of  the  5th  March,  1842,  (Ofl&cial  Bul- 
letin, No.  144,)  relative  to  the  fishery. 

Art.  229.  Kefined  sugars  in  loaves,  melisj  {!)  and  lumps,  des- 
tined to  be  exported  with  credit  of  the  excise,  otherwise  than  in 
bulk,  may  be  deposited  in  a  special  storehouse  of  the  warehouse  at 
the  place  of  loading,  to  be  there  put  into  the  boxes  destined  to 
receive  them. 

This  deposite  takes  place  in  the  manner  and  upon  the  conditions 
prescribed  by  the  48th  article  of  the  law  of  4th  April,  1843,  rela- 
tive to  sugars.  ^ 

In  like  manner  beer  destined  for  exportation  with  credit  of  the 
excise,  may  be  deposited  in  the  public  warehouse  in  virtue  of  the 
3d  article  of  the  royal  decree  of  17th  September,  1846,  (Moniteur, 
No.  268j)  and  in  conformity  with  the  formalities  prescribed  or  to 
be  prescribed  by  the  minister. 

Art.  230.  Goods  admitted,  on  giving  security  for  the  State  du- 
ties, by  the  receivers  and  the  superintendents,  are  deposited  in  a 
special  storehouse  of  the  warehouse. 

This  deposite  takes  place  in  the  manner  and  upon  the  conditions 
prescribed  by  article  274  of  the  general  law. 

Art.  231.  Goods  seized,  and  those  of  which  the  pre-emptioa  is 
declared,  may,  while  awaiting  future  decision,  be  deposited  in  the 
wareliouse  in  the  name  of  the  administration. 

This  deposite  takes  place  upon  a  written  authority,  to  be  deliv- 
ered by  the  inspector  of  the  arrondissement,  or,  in  his  absence,  by 
the  superintendent. 

Section  XXIII. — Deposite  o/  excise  goods  preserved  for  exportation. 

Art.  232.  The  deposite  of  excise  goods  retained  after  the  lapse 
of  the  periods  of  credit,  to  be  exported  with,  credit  of  the  excise, 
takts  place  in  the  warehouse  in  virtue  of  a  permit.  It  does  not 
constitute  an  ordinary  deposite.- 

It  is  effected  in  a  special  storehouse,  upon  the  conditions  deter- 
mined by  the  excise  laws,  and  after  verification  of  the  quantity  and 
quulily,  for  those  ggods  only  designated^  in  the  present  article. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57 


289 


It  cannot  take  place  in  less  quantities  than — 

1st.  For  vinegar   40  hectoL 

jSd.  For  domestic  brandy,  of  50  degrees  of  the  centesimal 

alcohol  hydrometer,  and  at  15  degrees  of  the  centigrade 

thermometer  *   10 

3d.  For  sugar  refined,  in  loaves,  melisj  or  lumps,  and 

sugar  candy  derived  from  coarse  cane  or  beet  sugar.. 500  kilog. 

The  temporary  public  warehouse,  created  at  Antwerp  by  royal 
decree  of  the  29th  August;  1839,  (Bulletin  Officiel,  No.  692,)  for 
the  deposite  of  refined  sugars,  is  maintained  on  conditions  to  be 
fixed  by  the  minister.  Similar  establishments  may  be  instituted  in 
the  cities  of  Brussels,  Bruges,  Ghent,  Liegej,  and  Ostend. 

Art.  233.  The  duration  of  the  deposite  is  unlimited.  It  is 
effected  in  the  name  either  of  the  manufacturer,  whose  credit  ac- 
count for  the  excise  is  discharged,  or  of  the  merchant  who  accepts 
the  cession  of  the  goods  before  or  during  the  deposite. 

Art.  234.  Goods  thus  deposited  cannot  have  their  packing  cases 
change'd,  unless  their  preservation  demand  it,  and  then  the  authority 
of  the  superintendent  is  necessary. 

But  domestic  vinegars  may  be  decantered,  watered,  mixed,  in 
conformity  with  article  60  of  the  law  of  2d  August,  1822,  (Journal 
Officiel,  No.  32j)  relative  to  beer  and  vinegar. 

In  like  manner  domestic  brandies,  deteriorated  or  weakened  below 
45  degrees  of  the  centesimal  alcohol  hydrometer,  at  the  tempera- 
ture of  15  degrees  of  the  centigrade  thermometer,  may  be  removed 
to  be  rectified,  in  the  manner  and  under  the  conditions  prescribed 
by  article  ]73. 

Art.  235.  The  superintendent  keeps  an  account  of  the  deposite 
of  excise  goods  preserved  for  exportation.  He  delivers  to  the 
owner  an  acknowledgment  of  reception. 

Art.  236.  Transcription  to  the  na^e  of  a  third  party  without 
change  of  warehouse  is  authorized.  It  takes  place  conformably 
with  article  171. 

Art.  237.  The  object  intended  by  the  law  as  to  the  deposite  of 
merchandise  being  to  preserve  it  for  exportation,  the  account  men- 
tioned in  article  235  ought  to  be  closed  only  by  removal  for  ex- 
portation in  virtue  of  a  permit  delivered  by  the  excise  collector  at 
the  place  where  the  warehouse  is  located. 

But  goods  may  be  delivered  for  consumption  upon  payment  of 
the  excise  in  cash.  In  this  case  the  account  is  credited,  and  the 
goods  removed  in  virtue  of  a  receipt  for  the  excise  delivered  by 
the  collector. 

The  declaration  for  exit,  made  conformably  to  article  195,  is 
counters'gned  by  the  superintendent  after  he  has  verified  its  ac- 
.cordance  with  the  account  and  the  acknowledgment  of  reception. 

The  verification  and  removal  are  effected  according  to  the  form- 
alities and  under  the  conditions  prescribed  by  the  laws  in  force. 

Art.  238.  In  exception  to  the  principles  laid  down  in  the  fore- 
going article,  domestic  vinegars  may  be  removed  by  transfer  into 
another  public  warehouse.    The  removal  takes  place,  conformably' 

19 


290 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


•with  article  150,  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport  issued  at  the 
custom-house  office  of  the  place  where  the  warehouse  is  located. 

Art.  239.  Goods  deposited  in  virtue  of  article  232,  unless  they 
be  the  remainders  of  the  several  appraisements,  are  not  removed  in 
less  quantities  than — 

1st.  For  domestic  vinegar,  40  hectolitres; 

2d.  For  domestic  brandy,  at  fifty  degrees  of  the  centesimal  al- 
cohol hydrometer,  at  the  temperature  of  fifteen  degrees  of  the  cen- 
tigrade thermometer,  10  hectolitres;  but  brandies  making  ships' 
stores  may  be  exported  in  less  quantities; 

3d.  For  refined  sugars,  in  loaves  and  lumps,  200  kilogrammes; 
in  candy,  100  kilogrammes. 

Art.  240.  When  sent  out  for  consumption,  and  in  case  of  being 
missing  in  the  depot,  or  of  the  non-production  of  the  permits  for 
exportation  or  for  transfer,  the  excise  duties  and  the  additional 
centimes  to  be  recovered  are  calculated  according  to  the  assess- 
ment in  the  permit  for  storing,  and  which  is  reported  in  the  ac- 
count and  upon  the  acknowledgment  of  reception. 

Section  XXIV. — Foreign  goods  removed  from  the  warehouse,  in 
order  to  be  manufactured  in  the  country. 

Art.  241.  Special  provisions  regulate  the  cases  for  the  applica- 
tion of  the  40th  article  of  the  law,  in  proportion  as  the  utility  of 
it  is  recognized. 

The  provisions  of  the  following  decrees  are  provisionally  main- 
tained: 

1.  Of  the  15th  July,  1845,  (Moniteur,  No.  201,)  concerning  tis- 
sues of  silk  removed  from  the  public  warehouse,  in  order  to  be 
dyed  or  printed; 

"2.  Of  the  i7th  September,  1846,  (Moniteur,  No.  268,)  concerning 
machines; 

3.  Of  the  12th  March,  1847,  (Moniteur,  No.  76^)  concerning  cop- 
per tubes  for  the  furnaces  of  locomotives; 

4.  Of  the  27th  April,  1847,  (Moniteur,  No.  123, ).concerning  goat 
and  sheep  skins. 

Section  XXV. —  Warehouse  for  the  navigation  of  the  Meuse, 

Art.  242.  In  execution  of  the  54th  article  of  the  treaty  of  5th 
November,  1842,  the  public  warehouse  of  Liege  is  opened  to  the 
commerce  of  the  navigation  of  the  Meuse. 

This  warehouse  is  subjected  to  the  particular  regime  established; 
by  the  convention  of  20th  May,  1843. 

Art.  243.  The  boats  belonging  to  the  navigation  of  the  Meusd 
pass  freely,  with  their  cargoes,  in  direct  transit,  save  the  excepJ 
tions  indicated  in  article  246.  | 

These  cargoes,  entire  or  partial,  are  received  into  the  publid 
warehouse  of  Li6ge  without  any  restriction  as  to  character  anqj 
quantity.  On  entry  into  the  warehouse  they  are  subjected  to  the 
formalities  of  declaration  and  verification  prescribed  by  the  laws  iii 
force, 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


291 


Art.  244-  In  order  to  avoid  ail  confusion  with  the  goods  derived 
from  ordinary  commerce,  those  which  are  imported  into  the  public 
warehouse  by  the  boats  belonging  to  the  navigation  of  the  Meuse 
are  put  into  a  separate  place  belonging  to  this  warehouse.  But 
slates  may  be  deposited  in  a  special  place,  to  be  designated  by  the 
depositor,  and  subjected  to  the  consent  of  the  director  in  the  pro- 
vince. In  this  case  article  224  is  applicable,  save  the  provision  in 
the  last  paragraph. 

The  duration  of  the  deposite  is  unlimited. 

Art.  245.  Goods  deposited  in  virtue  of  the  preceding  articles 
may  be  removed  for  consumption  or  for  transit  by  the  Meuse. 

In  the  first  case,  the  laws  and  tariffs  then  in  force  are  applicable. 

In  the  second  case,  the  removal  takes  place  according  to  the 
formalities  prescribed  by  the  law  relative  to  transit;  but  the  owner 
has  the  privilege  of  the  option  between  the  payment  of  the  or- 
dinary transit  duty  and  the  payment  of  the  navigation  duty  fixed 
by  the  first  article  of  the  convention  on  navigation  of  the  20th  May, 
1843. 

Art.  246.  Transit,  by  the  Meuse,  of  spun  and  woven  flax  or 
hemp,  is  prohibited.  That  of  cast  iron  is  subject  to  the  special  duty 
of  five  francs  per  100  kilogrammes.  This  duty  will  be  applied  as 
lonor  as  the  zone  system  (systeme  des  zones)  shall  be  maintained 
in  France  for  the  importation  of  these  productions  from  Belgium. 

Art.  247.  The  special  regulations  of  the  public  warehouse  at 
Liege  determine  the  storehouse  rates  for  goods  arising  from  the 
navigation  of  the  Meuse.  These  rates,  the  receipt  of  which  is  ef- 
fected in  conformity  with  the  present  regulation,  cannot  be  greater 
than  the  quota  fixed  as  the  maximum  for  the  warehouses  of  the 
Rhine. 

Art.  248.  Save  the  exceptions  determined  by  articles  242  to  247, 
the  provisions  of  the  present  regulation  concerning  the  public 
warehouse,  are  applicable  to  the  warehouse  for  the  navigation  of 
the  Meuse,  opened  in  the  city  of  Liege. 


CHAPTER  IV. 
Of  ihe  private  warehouse^  (pariiculier.) 
Section  I. — Definition. 

• 

Art.  249.  The  private  warehouse  is  a  storehouse  designated  by 
the  owners  and  agreed  to  by  the  administration.  It  may  be  con- 
ceded in  the  cities  where  there  is  a  public  warehouse.  The  col- 
lections of  houses,  which  although  dependants  of  cities,  are  sepa- 
rated from  them  by  walls,  dutches  or  barriers,  are  not  considered 
as  forming  part  of  the  cities. 

The  concession  is  personal.  The  request  for  it  is  made  to  the 
director  in  the  province,  who  ordains  it  after  having  been  satisfied 
that  the  localities  indicated  offer  the  required  guarantees  for  se- 


292 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


curity,  and  that  the  conditions  and  formalities  described  by  the 
law  have  been  complied  with. 

The  exception  to  the  provisions  of  the  2d  section  of  the  41st 
article  of  the  law,  can  only  be  granted  by  the  minister.  If  the 
minister  authorize  the  existence  of  several  issues,  he  forbids  the 
opening  of  more  than  one  at  a  time. 

The  certificate  mentioned  in  article  42,  letter  of  the  law,  must 
state  the  sum  at  which  the  corporate  authority  recognizes  the  sol- 
vency of  the  owner. 

The  resolution  conceding  the  warehouse  describes  exactly  the 
storehouses  of  which  it  is  composed,  the  number  of  issues,  of 
vent  holes,  or  openin*gs  found  therein.  It  designates  the  goods 
which,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  other?,  may  be  introduced  therein; 
wines  subject  to  different  excise  duties  may  be  deposited  in  the 
.  same  warehouse,  under  the  conditions  which  the  minister  may  de- 
termine. 

Section  II. — Guard  and  surveillance  of  the  warehouse , 

Art.  250,  The  warehouse  is  confided  to  the  guard  of  the  de- 
positor^  and  of  the  administration  of  direct  contributions,  customs, 
and  excise.  It  is  locked  Vv^ith  two  keys,  one  of  which  is  retained 
by  the  depositor  and  the  other  by  the  administration,  so  that 
neither  can  have  access  thereto  without  the  other. 

Art.  251.  No  person  has  access  into  the  warehouse  w^ithout  the 
-authority  of  the  depositor,  except  the  agents  of  the  administration.  ] 

Art.  252.  The  warehouse  must  at  all  times  be  accessible  to  the  J 
clerks.    The  owner's  key  must  always  be  kept  at  his  place  of  resi- ^ 
xle-nce,  at  the  disposal  of  the  person  who  represents  him  in  case  of 
absence,  so  that  it  may  be  yielded  without  delay  on  the  requisition 
of  the  clerks. 

Art.  253.  The  warehouse  granted  for  wines  cannot  receive  any 
other  goods;  but  a  portion  of  the  locality  may  be  appropriated  to 
'foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors.  In  this  case  a  separating  par- 
tition is  put  up,  if  necessary,  at  a  wide  interval,  which  is  closed 
by  means  of  the  administration  locks,  and  such  farther  action  is 
.had  as  if  there  were  two  warehouses. 

.i#T.  254.  The  superintendent  keeps  the  keys  of  the  warehouses. 
^     "During  the  hours  of  their  being  opened,  the   clerks  charged  with 
the  surveillance  keep  them. 

Art.  255.  While  opened,  the  warehouse  is,  as  far  as  possible, 
guarded  without  interruption  by  the  clerks  who  superintend  the 
stowing,  manipulation,  and  preservation  of  the  goods,  and  the 
pitting  on  and  preservation  of  the  labels. 

Art.  256.  The  depositor  requests  in  writing  the  opening  of  his  j 
warehouse.  He  specifies  the  warehouse,  the  kinds  of  goods  de-j 
posited  therein,  the  object  of  the  opening,  and  the  hour  at  which- 
he  wishes  to  have  access  thereto. 

The  opening  of  the  warehouse  cannot  be  demanded  for  more 
than  one  day.°  If  the  operations  require  to  be  prolonged,  the  open- 
ing is  claimed 'for  each  day. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


293 


Art.  257.  The  superintendent  inscribes  the  demand  upon  a  reg- 
ister kept  for  the  purpose,  and  he  authorizes  the  opening. 

Art.  258.  The  clerk  charged  with  the  opening  of  the  ware- 
house, states,  by^an  entry  in  the  memorandum  book,  the  duration 
of  the  opening  and  the  nature  of  the  operations  effected. 

Section  III. — Designation  of  the  goods  admitted  or  excluded. 

Art.  259.  With  the  exception  noted  in  the  11th  article  of  the 
law,  no  goods  are  admitted  into  the  warehouse  if  they  are  not 
sound  and  of  merchantable,  quality. 

Art.  260.  The  warehouse  receives  those  goods  only  which  are 
specified  in  the  act  of  concession. 

The  following  are  alone  admitted  into  the  warehouse: 

1st.  Wines; 

2d.  Foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors  and  liqueursj 
3d.  Wheat,  rye,  barley,  oats,  and  buckwheat. 

Section  IV. — Movement  of  goods  on  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  261.  The  entry  of  goods  into  the  warehouse  takes  place: 
1st.  By  direct  importation; 

2d.  By  transfer  from  a  free,  public  or  private  warehouse; 

Art.  262.  Direct  importation  takes  place  after  unloading  and 
verification  at  the  office  designated  to  that  effect.  Entry  into  the 
'warehouse  is  effected  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport. 

Entries  by  the  inland  waters  of  Holland  are  similar  to  those 
made  by  sea. 

Art.  263.  The  transfer  into  a  warehouse,  of  goods  coming  from 
another  warehouse,  takes  place  in  virtue  of  a'precautionary  passport 
on  all  the  established  routes  in  the  interior  of  the  kingdom. 

Section  V. — Quantities  admitted  to  mtry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  264>  Custom-house  goods  are  entered  into  the  warehouse 
in  all  quantities. 

Art.  265.  Excise  goods  are  entered  into  the  warehouse  in  quan- 
tities not  less  than: 

fine;....  4  hectolitres. 

common  9 

2d.  For  foreign  distilled  alcoholic  liquors,  what- 
ever their  strength,  and  liqueurs  3 

Quantities  less  than  these  minimum  are  declared  to  be  for  con- 
sumption,  with  payment  of  the  duties  in  cash. 

Section  VI. — Formalities  on  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  266.  Entry  into  the  warehouse  takes  place  after  verifica- 
tion, and  in  conformity  with  the  laws  in  force. 

The  verification  and  storing  are  stated  by  the  clerks  charged  w^ith. 


294 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


the  surveillance,  ^;vho  note  it  in  the  memorandum  book.  After 
having  furnished  the  precautionary  passports  with  the  certificates 
required,  they  send  this  document  to  the  superintendent,  that  he 
may  debit  the  warehouse  account. 

Art.  267.  As  respects  wines  declared  to  be  muddy,  the  propor- 
tional quantity  of  lees  stated  on  entry  into  the  warehouse,  within 
the  limits  of  the  maximum  fixed  by  the  9th  article  of  the  law  of 
the  12th  May,  1819,  serves  as  the  basis  for  the  warehouse  account. 

Art.  268.  The  capacity  of  casks  or  bottles,  stated  on  entry  into 
the  warehouse  of  the  liquors  subject  to  excise,  serves  also  as  the 
basis  for  the  warehouse  account. 

The  transportation  of  these  liquors  towards  the  warehouse,  is 
furthermore,  subject  to  the  following  special  regulations: 

The  clerks  of  the  first  office  of  unloading  on  entry,  or  those  of 
the  warehouse  of  the  place  of  removal,  are  required: 

a.  To  put  into  bottles  holding  at  least  two  decilitres,  a  sample 
of  each  kind  of  liquor  according  to  their  kind,  or  their  alcoholic 
strength; 

b.  To  fasten  these  samples  to  the  inside  of  the  bung  of  the  casks 
from  which  they  have  been  taken,  or  to  confide  them  to  the  con- 
ductor of  the  laden  vehicle,  taking  care  in  this  latter  case,  to  care- 
fully seal  the  bottles,  and  to  attach  to  each  of  them,  with  a  string 
and  the  seal  of  the  administration,  a  label  showing  the  date  and 
the  number  of  the  precautionary  passport,  and  bearing  their  signa- 
ture; 

c.  To  endorse  upon  this  document  the  number  of  samples  handed 
to  the  conductor,  and  the  numbers  of  the  casks  in  which  they  are, 
as  also  the  numbers  of  those  to  which  each  sample  has  reference, 
in  order  that  it  may  be  proven,  at  the  time  of  storing,  whether  the 
liquor  presented  is  the  same  exhibited  at  the  office  of  importation 
or  at  the  warehouse  of  the  place  of  departure; 

d.  To  cause  all  the  bungs  of  the  casks  to  be  cut  off  level  with 
the  staves,  and  to  affix  the  seal  of  the  administration  in  a  cavity 
made  partly  in  the  bung  and  partly  in  the  stave; 

e.  To  plumb  the  cases  containing  liquors  transported  in  bottles, 
and  if  they  are  packed  in  baskets  not  furnished  with  wrappers,  to 
cause  these  baskets  to  be  wrapped  in  coarse  bagging,  or  to  be 
packed  in  any  other  manner  to  facilitate  the  plumbing; 

f.  To  preserve  a  duplicate  of  the  samples  duly  sealed  and  pro- 
vided with  the  label  meniioned  under  6,  until  the  return  of  the 
extracts  from  the  precautionary  passports,  in  order  to  be  able  to 
compare  them  with  those  accompanying  the  transport,  if  any  ques- 
tions arise,  at  the  place  of  destination,  as  to  the  kinds  of  liquors, 
or  as  to  their  alcoholic  strength. 

Art.  269.  The  verification  prescribed  in  article  259  always  takes 
place  upon  the  entry  into  the  warehouse  conceded  for  wines.  If  it^ 
be  stated  that  the  wines  are  not  of  merchantable  quality,  admission 
is  refused,  and  the  duties  secured  at  the  office  where  the  precau- 
tionary passport  has  been  delivered  are  recovered  at  this  office  im- 
mediately after  the  expiration  of  the  period  fixed  for  the  return  of 
the  document. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


295 


Section  VII. — Position  and  stowage  of  goods. 

Art.  270.  Goods  are  arranged  in  the  warehouse  according  to  the 
convenience  of  the  depositor.  But,  they  are  stowed  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  render  at  all  times  easy  the  enumeration  of  the  cases,  and 
unless  the  impossibility  of  it  be  shown,  the  examination  of  the 
condition  of  the  walls. 

Art.  271.  The  clerks  charged  with  the  superintendence  keep  a  ' 
memorandum  book  which  states  the  entries  and  exits,  as  also  the 
changes  made  in  the  stowage.    They  countersign  the  documents  of 
entry  and  of  exit. 

Art.  272.  The  depositor  puts  labels  upon  the  goods  and  sees  to 
their  preservation.    They  are  countersigned  by  the  clerks. 

The  superintendent  may  order  that  no  labels  be  put  upon  liquors 
subject  to  excise. 

Section  VIII. — Manipulation  of  goods. 

Art.  273.  With  the  exception  of  wines  subject  to  different  ex- 
cise duties,  and  deposited  in  the  same  warehouse,  in  virtue  of  ar- 
ticle 249,  it  is  forbidden  to  mix  or  to  confound  goods  of  the  same 
kind,  subject  to  different  duties. 

Art.  274.  Save  the  restriction  established  by  the  preceding  ar- 
ticle, depositors  may  water,  mix,  decant,  &c.,  the  liquors  subject 
excise. 

Section  IX. — Preservation  of  goods. 

Art.  275.  Depositors  are  required  to  watch  over  the  good  pre- 
servation of  their  merchandise. 

Should  they  neglect  to  do  so,  the  superintendent  invites  their  at. 
tention  thereto  in  writing. 

If  necessary,  the  superintendent  formally  requires  the  depositor 
to  give  to  his  goods,  every  week,  the  necessary  care,  under  the 
penalty  of  being  deprived  of  the  benefit  of  the  warehouse.  If  the 
depositor  do  not  obey  this  requisition,  the  goo'ds  cease  to  be  put 
under  the  regulatiojps  of  the  warehouse.  They  must  be  declared  for 
consumption  before  the  expiration  of  the  following  month,  or  re- 
moved from  the  warehouse  by  the  application  of  article  23  of  the 
law. 

Art.  276.  Foreign  distilled  alcojiolic  liquors,  deteriorated  or 
weakened  by  evaporation  below  45  degrees  of  the  centesimal  alco- 
hol hyd  rometer,  at  the  temperature  of  15  degrees  of  the  centigrade 
thermometer,  may,  on  the  previous  authority  of  the  administration, 
be  removed  from  the  warehouse,  in  order  to  be  rectified  under  the 
superintendence  of  the  clerks. 

The  removal  takes  place  after  declaration  and  verification,  in 
virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport. 

Custom-house  and  excise  duties  are  recovered  upon  the  portions 
of  liquors  not  returned  into  the  warehouse  within  the  period  fixed 
by  the  document. 


296 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Section  X. — Goods  damaged  on  the  road. 

Art.  211.  Goods  damaged  on  the  road  are  not  admitted  into  the 
warehouse  until  the  amount  of  damage  they  have  sustained  is  stated 
conformably  with  article  126  of  the  general  law. 

The  causes  of  the  damage  must  be  proven  by  means  of  the  ship- 
ping papers,  or  other  authentic  documents  which  may  serve  as 
proof. 

The  verification  of  the  damage,  before  admission  into  the  ware- 
house, takes  place  in  the  discharging  office. 

Art.  278.  The  reduction  of  duties  accorded  on  account  of  dam- 
age, conformably  with  article  126  of  the  general  law,  bears  only 
upon  the  custom-house  entry  duties,  and  can  be  allowed  only  at 
the  moment  of  exposure  for  consumption,  and  according  to  the 
degree  of  damage  then  existing. 

This  reduction  cannot,  in  any  case,  be  calculated  at  the  rate  of 
a  higher  degree  of  damage  than  that  stated  at  the  discharging 
office. 

Art.  279.  The  degree  of  damage  stated,  as  mentioned  in  article 
277,  is  indicated  in  the  document  for  entry.  The  report  of  the  ap- 
praisers is  held  in  support  of  this  document,  and  remains  annexed 
to  the  account. 

Art.  280.  The  appraisement  in  the  account,  as  well  as  the  bal- 
ancing thereof,  take  place  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  pre- 
sent regulation.  But  damaged  goods  may,  on  leaving  the  ware- 
house, be  removed  by  transfer  into  another  private  warehouse,  or 
be  declared  for  consumption  or  ordinary  transit.  When  there  is  a 
transfer  into  another  warehouse,  the  amount  of  damage  is  again 
verified  before  removal,  according  to  article  126  of  the  general 
law;  and,  if  it  be  less  than  the  amount  of  damage  recognized  con- 
formably with  article  277,  it  alone  is  stated  upon  the  document  re- 
quired for  transportation. 

When  exposed  for  consumption,  the  reduction  of  the  custom- 
house duties  is  calculated  according  to  the  degree  of  damage  stated 
at  the  office  of  unloading,  unless  the  superintendent  consider  that 
the  real  damag.e  at  the  time  of  exit  be  less,  in  which  case  it  must 
be  stated  de  novo. 

SicTioN  XI. — Searches. 

Art.  281.  The  warehouse  is  searched  at  least  once  a  year.  The 
depositor  is  invited  to  be  present.  The  warehouse  appropriated  to 
liquors  subject  to  excise  is  searched  at  least  once  every  six  months. 
The  clerks  are  furnished  with  written  and  special  authority  to  this 
effect  from  the  superior  officer  in  the  arrondissement. 

Art.  282.  The  search  of  the  warehouse  granted  for  custom-house- 
goods  takes  place  by  enumeration  of  the  cases  and  a  summary  ex- 
amination of  the  quantities  according  to  the  weight  or  measurement 
taken  on  entry,  but  this  is  done  with  more  exactness  if  any  notable 
difference  appears,  or  if  any  question  arise. 

Art,  283.  In  respect  to  liquors  subject  to  excise,  the  clerks 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


297 


charged  with  the  search  of  the  warehouse  proceed  constantly  with 
a  rigorous  exactitude  and  examine  the  whole  of  the  quantities  in 
store;  they  report: 

1st.  By  tasting  the  quality  of  the  liquors; 

2d.  By  gauging  the  contents  of  the  casks; 

3d.  By  the  hydrometer,  the  alcoholic  strength  of  foreign  dis- 
tilled liquors. 

The  capacity  of  the  casks,  when  they  are  full,  may  be  taken  ac- 
cording to  the  gauging  recognized  on  entry  into  the  warehouse. 
That  of  the  bottle  is  taken  by  emptying  some  of  each  kind,  desig- 
nated by  the  clerks,  which  they  taste  at  the  same  time. 

Art,  284.  Without  proceeding  to  a  search,  the  clerks  often  visit 
the  warehouses,  and  more  especially  those  containing  liquors  sub- 
ject to  excise.  At  each  visit  they  verify  the  state  of  the  walls, 
door,  locks,  &c.,  and  note  summarily  the  quantities  of  goods. 

Art.  285.  The  clerks  draw  up,  in  duplicate,  a  report  of  the 
search;  one  of  the  copies  is  sent  to  the  depositor,  the  other  to  the 
superintendent.  In  respect  to  liquors  subject  to  excise,  they 'state 
on  the  back  of  this  report  the  number  and  the  capacity  of  the 
casks,  the  number  and  the  capacity  of  the  bottles,  by  kinds,  the 
real  volume  of  the  liquors  contained  in  them,  according  to  their  al- 
coholic richness,  the  degree  of  strength  at  the  temperature  of  15 
degrees  of  the  centigrade  thermometer,  and  the  volume  reclaimed 
per  100,  or  in  pure  alcohol. 

Art.  286.  The  accounts  are  debited  with  the  excess  stated.  With 
regard  to  those  missing,  the  custom-house  and  excise  duties  are' 
immediately  paid  in  cash,  according  to  the  tariffs  then  in  force. 
But,  as  respects  liquors  subject  to  excise,  no  attention  is  paid,  at 
the  time  of  search,  to  any  difference  less  than  one-half  per  cent,  of 
the  balance  of  the  account,  either  in  case  of  excess,  or  in  case  of 
deficiency. 

Art.  287.  The  excess  recognized  in  one  warehouse  cannot  be 
carried  to  the  credit  of  a  deficiency  stated  in  another  warehouse, 
conceded  to  the  same  depositor. 

Further:  this  compensation  cannot  be  made  between  the  excess 
and  deficiencies  recognized  in  alcoholic  liquors  and  liqueurs  depos- 
ited in  the  same  warehouse. 

Art.  288.  The  quantities  of  lees  found  in  the  warehouse  beyond 
those  with  which  the  account  is  debited,  are  appraised  like  wine. 

Art.  289.  With  respect  to  custom-house  goods,  the  deficiency 
stated  gives  rise  to  tke  application  of  the  penalty  pronounced  by 
the  65th  article  of  the  law,  when  it  exceeds  10  per  cent,  of  the 
stock  resulting  from  each  acknowledgment  of  reception. 

As  respects  liquors  subject  to  excise,  the  deficiency  does  not 
give  rise  to  the  penalty,  except  when  it  exceeds  10  per  cent,  of 
the  balance  of  the  account. 

By  balance  of  the  account  is  understood  the  difference  between 
the  quantities  forming  the  debit  and  tho*ke  which  are  carried  to  the 
credit  of  the  account,  kept  for  the  whole  of  the  acknowledgments 
delivered  during  the  process,  or  since  the  last  search. 


2^8 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Section  XII. — Movement  of  goods  on  exit  from  the  warehouse. 

Art.  290.  The  warehouse  goods  are  removed: 
1st.  By  ordinary  transit; 

2d.  By  transfer  into  another  free  warehouse; 
3d.  For  consumption. 

Art.  291.  Ordinary  transit  takes  place  without  distinction  of 
the  ways  adopted  for  arriving  at  the  warehouse,  or  for  leaving  it. 

Going  out  from  the  warehouse  takes  place  after  declaration  and 
verification,  conformably  with  the  law  of  18th  June,  1836,  in  vir- 
tue of  a  transit  receipt.  ^ 

Saving  the  prohibitions  and  the  exemptions  from  rates  estab- 
lished by  the  laws  in  force,  goods  are  removed  from  the  warehouse 
for  ordinary  transit  upon  payment  of  the  rates. 

Art.  292.  Article  263  is  applicable  to  exit  from  the  warehouse 
by  transfer  to  another  private  warehouse. 

Art.  293.  Goods  to  which  entry  is  not  prohibited  are  removed 
from  the  warehouse  for  consumption,  after  declaration  in  detail 
and  verification,  according  to  the  formalities,  and  under  the  condi- 
tions prescribed  by  the  laws  in  force. 

The  custom-house  duties  are,  in  all  cases,  paid  in  cash,  before 
the  verification  and  removal;  excise  duties  are  paid,  or  may  be  ap- 
praised, upon  limited  credit  after  verification. 

Removal  takes  place: 

1st.  For  custom-house  goods,  in  virtue  of  a  receipt  for  payment; 

2d.  For  excise  goods,  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport,  sta- 
ting that  the  excise  shall  be  paid  in  cash,  or  shall  be  appraised,  on 
limited  credit. 

Art.  294.  Samples,  whatever  may  be  their  importance,  are  re- 
movable from  the  warehouse  only  upon  payment  of  the  duties  in 
cash. 

Section  XIII. — Quantities  alloived  to  go  out  of  the  warehouse. 

Art.  295.  Custom-house  goods  are  removed  from  the  warehouse 
in  all  quantities. 

Art.  296.  The  transfer  into  another  private  warehouse  of  wines, 
alcoholic  liquors  and  liqueurs,  takes  place  in  the  limit  of  the  quan- 
tities indicated  in  article  265. 

Art.  297.  On  exit  from  the  warehouse,  wines  cannot  be  removed 
for  ordinary  transit  in  less  quantities  than  one  hectolitre  for  fine 
wines,  3nd  four  hectolitres  for  common  wines. 

Transit  is  not  permitted  to  them,  if  the  warehouse  contain  wines 
derived  by  transfer  from  another  private  warehouse,  unless  the 
depositor  has  furnished  security  for  the  duties  eventually  due  upon 
the  quantities  deposited. 

Art.  298.  The  exit  from  the  warehouse  of  excise  goods  removed 
for  consumption,  cannot  take  place  in  less  ([uantities  than: 

1st.  For  wine    ^              ' l^^u"^' 
^   I  common   9 

2d.  For  foreign   distilled   alcoholic  liquors,  whatever 

may  be  their  strength,  and  liqueurs   1 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


299 


In  case  of  removal  for  consumption,  upon  payment  of  the  excise 
in  cash,  the  minimum  fixed  by  the  present  article  is  not  observed, 
if  the  merchandise  declared  are  the  remainder  of  several  appraise- 
ments. 

Section  XIV. — Formalities  on  exit  from  the  warehouse. 

Art.  299.  No  goods  can  be  removed  from  the  warehouse,  unless 
a  declaration  for  exit  has  been  sent  to  the  superintendent  with  the 
acknowledgment  of  reception.  There  must  be  as  many  distinct 
declarations  as  there  are  destinations  and  modes  of  removal. 

This  declaration  is  made  conformably  with  the  laws  in  force, 
with  the  same  effect  as  if  it  had  been  made  at  the  first  office  of 
entry.  « 

After  having  verified  the  accordance  of  the  declaration  with  the 
account  and  the  acknowledgment,  the  superintendent  countersigns 
it,  in  order  to  authorize  the  collector  of  the  customs  of  the  place 
to  deliver  the  documents  required. 

Art.  300.  The  necessary  documents  being  obtained,  the  comp- 
troller'designates  the  clerks  charged  with  proceeding  to  the  verifi- 
cation of  the  goods  and  to  assist  in  their  removal.  They  state  the 
result  of  their  labor  upon  the  back  of  the  documents;  after  which, 
these  papers  are  sent  to  the  superintendent,  who  credits  the  ac- 
count with  the  quantities  stated  in  the  certificate  of  the  clerks.  He 
makes  the  same  credit  upon  the  acknowledgment  of  reception, 
which  he  then  restores  to  the  depositor. 

Art.  301.  The  declarations  made  in  order  to  obtain  the  exit, 
free  from  custom-house , and  excise  duties,  of  the  lees  arising  from 
wines  clarified  in  the  warehouse,  are  countersigned  by  the  superin- 
tendent, in  order  to  authorize  the  collector  of  the  customs  of  the 
place  to  deliver  the  document  for  exit.  The  superintendent  pre- 
viously satisfies  himself  whether  the  exit  requested  can  take  place 
within  the  limits  of  the  charge  on  account  of  lees. 

For  the  surplus,  action  is  had  according  to  the  foregoing  article. 

Section  XV. — Expenses  of  opening  and  closing  the  warehouse. 

Art.  302.  The  expenses  of  opening  and  closing  the  warehouse 
are  fixed  at  30  centimes  per  hour.  The  hour  commenced  is  paid  in 
full. 

One  day's  opening  free  of  charge  may  be  granted  every  five  days 
for  the  purpose  of  airing  the  storehouses  containing  grain,  or  to 
stir  this  grain.  Any  other  operation  gives  rise  to  the  payment  of 
the  expense. 

The  opening  of  the  warehouse,  on  the  requisition  of  the  clerks, 
takes  place  without  expense  to  the  depositor. 

Art.  303.  At  the  expiration  of  each  month  the  superintendent 
makes  out  the  account  for  the  expense  of  the  opening,  and  sends  it 
to  the  depositor  with  a  request  to- close  it  at  his  office  by  payment. 


300 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Section  XVI. —  Warehouse  accounts. 

Art.  304.  The  superintendent  keeps  a  register,  in  order  to  insure 
the  eventual  receipt  of  the  State  duties.  Each  entry  forms  the 
object  of  a  special  account,  except  for  liquors  subject  to  excise.  In 
relation  to  these  liquors,  the  account  is  held  for  the  whole  of  the 
entries  effected  during  the  process. 

Jhe  inscriptions  relative  to  several  warehouses  conceded  to  the 
same  depositor  are  not  to  be  confounded  in  the  same  account. 

Art.  305.  The  account  is  debited: 

1st.  On  direct  importation; 

2d.  By  transfer  from  a  free,  public,  or  private  warehouse,  with 
the  quantities  stated  by  the  clerks  on  the  back  of  the  documents 
furnished  with  the  certificates  of  storage. 

Art.  306.  Goods  are  inscribed  in  the  account  in  the  name  of  the 
depositor,  holder  of  the  grant.  He  affixes  to  each  document  for 
storage  an  acknowledgment  of  the  receipt  of  the  goods.  The 
superintendent  delivers  to  him  a  duplicate  thereof. 

Art.  307.  The  account  is  credited  with  the  quantities  stated  by 
the  clerks  on  exit  from  the  warehouse; 

1st.  For  ordinary  transit; 

2d.  By  transfer  into  another  private  warehouse; 
3d.  For  consumption. 

Art.  308.  The  accounts  of  the  warehouse  granted  for  wines  is 
credited,  within  the  limit  of  the  appraisement,  with  the  quanties  of 
lees  arising  from  wines  clarified  in  the  warehouse,  which  are  veri- 
fied on  going  out  for  consumption,  exempt  from  custom-house  and 
excise  duties. 

Art.  309.  No  credit  is  allowed  in  the  account  for  loss  of  wines, 
or  of  alcoholic  liquors  deposited  in  the  warehouse.  But  there  is 
allowed  a  deduction  to  the  amount  of  four  per  cent,  per  annum  for 
wines,  and  two  per  cent,  per  annum  for  alcoholic  liquors,  or 
liqueurs,  for  leakage,  soakage,  wastage,  or  any  loss. 

Art.  310.  The  assessment  of  the  deduction  of  four  per  cent,  per 
annum  for  leakage  of  vrines  is  established  according  to  the  follow- 
ing rules: 

1st.  The  year  is  reckoned  360  days,  each  month  30  days; 

2d.  The  different  quantities  introduced  into  the  warehouse  are 
converted  into  an  imaginary  quantity,  supposed  to  remain  a  single 
day. 

For  this  object,  each  quantity  entered  is  multiplied  by  the  num- 
ber of  days  which  will  elapse  from  the  date  of  the  entry  exclu- 
sively, until  the  31st  of  December,  and  the  three  last  cyphers  are 
thrown  out. 

The  result  is  carried  to  the  charge  of  the  account. 

3d.  Each  quantity  that  goes  out  is  also  multiplied  by  the  number 
of  days  which  will  elapse  from  the  date  of  exit  exclusively,  until 
the  31st  December,  and  the  three  last  cyphers  are  thrown  out. 

The  result  is  carried  to  the  credit  of  the  account. 

4th  At  the  expiration  of  the  year,  the  imaginary  quanties  to  the 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


301 


debit  and  to  the  credit  are  added  up,  and  the  difference  represents 
a  quantity  which  has  remained  only  one  day  in  the  warehouse; 

5th.  To  know,  then,  the  assessment  of  the  deduction,  the  result  of 
the  operation  prescribed  in  the  preceding  paragraph  is  divided 
by  nine; 

6th.  The  deduction  for  leakage  being  allowed  with  the  know- 
ledge that  the  account  will  not  be  closed  until  the  31st  December, 
it  is  necessary,  in  case  of  search,  or  of  a  settlement  of  account 
in  the  course  of  the  year,  to  indemnify  the  treasury  for  a  deduction 
calculated  upon  the  difference  between  the 'entries  and  exits,  for  the 
•days  that  are  to  elapse  until  the  expiration  of  the  year.  This  de- 
duction is  inscribed  in  credit  of  the  account  before  adding  up  the 
debit  and  credit,  in  conformity  with  section  4. 

The  same  process  is  adopted  to  establish  the  assessment  of  the 
deductioh  of  two  per  cent,  per  annum  allowed  for  leakage  of  alco- 
holic liquors^  except  that  only  the  half  of  the  result  of  the  divi- 
sion by  nine  must  be  taken. 

Art.  311.  For  damaged  goods,  the  account  and  the  acknowledg- 
ment of  reception  mention  the  degree  of  damage. 

Art.  312.  Respecting  the  warehouses  for  custom-house  goods, 
the  accounts  are  not  closed  in '  consequence  of  a  search,  unless  this 
search  show  a  quantity  in  excess  or  missing,  giving  rise  to  contest. 
In  this  case  the  quantity  found  is  inscribed  in  the  nev/  account,  and 
after  payment  of  the  duties,  if  any  there  be,  the  superintendent 
delivers  a  new  acknowledgment  of  receipt,  in  exchange  for  the 
one  to  which  the  excess  or  deficiency  has  relation. 

Respecting  warehouses  for  liquors  subject  to  excise,  the  accounts 
are  drawn  up,  and  the  acknowledgments  of  reception  exchanged 
at  each  search. 

The  accounts  of  ali  the  warehouses  are  drawn  up  at  the  close  of 
the  business. 

Respecting  custom-house  goods,  the  inscriptions  of  appraisement 
are  carried  to  a  new  account.  The  quantities  inscribed  in  credit 
are  added  up  and  carried  to  the  credit  of  the  new  account,  without 
its  being  necessary  to  exchange  the  acknowledgments  of  recep- 
tion. 

Respecting  liquors  subject  to  excise,  the  inscriptions  in  the  ac- 
counts are  added  up  to  the  debit  and  to  the  credit;  the  difference, 
after  deduction  for  leakage,  is  carried  to  the  debit  of  the  new  ac- 
count, and  the  acknowledgments  of  reception  are  exchanged. 

The  superintendent  refuses  all  countersign  for  exit  from  the  ware- 
houses until  the  exchange  of  the  acknowledgments  of  reception  is 
effected. 

Section  XVII. — Special  regulations  as  to  wines. 

Art.  313.  In  the  cities  in  which  no  constructive  warehouse  for 
the  municipal  tax  (octroi)  for  wines  has  been  granted,  and  where 
the  corporate  administration  has  appropriated  the  cellars  of  the 
public  warehouse  to  being  rented  3s  warehouses,  these  cellars  may 


302 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


be  admitted  as  private  warehouses  for  wines.  The  opening  and 
shutting  of  them  take  place  without  expense. 

Wines  deposited  in  wood,  and  afterwards  racked  off  into  bottles, 
may  be  removed  therefrom  for  consumption  in  quantities  of  25 
litres  and  upwards. 


CHAPTER  V. 
Of  the  constructive  (fictif)  warehouse. 
Section  I. — Definition, 

Art.  314.  The  constructive  warehouse  is  a  storehouse  designated 
by  the  owners  and  agreed  to  by  the  administration;  with  the  excep- 
tion provided  for  by  the  38th  article  of  the  law  of  4th  April,  1843, 
relative  to  sugars,  it  can  only  be  conceded  in  the  cities  where  there 
is  a  public  warehouse.  The  collections  of  houses  which,  although 
dependents  of  cities,  are  separated  from  them  by  walls,  ditches  or 
barriers,  are  not  considered  as  forming  part  of  the  cities. 

The  concession  is  personal.  The  request  for  it  is  made  to  the 
director  in  the  province,  who  ordains  it  after  baring  been  satisfied 
that  the  conditions  and  formalities  prescribed  by  the  law  have  been 
complied  with. 

The  warehouse  may  be  conceded  for  beet  sugars  in  the  localities 
where  factories  exist;  if  the  warehouse  do  not  comply  with  all  the 
conditions  required  by  article  38  of  the  above  recited  law,  it  re- 
ceives  only  the  sugars  derived  from  the  factory  upon  which  it  de- 
pends. 

The  resolution  conceding  the  warehouse  describes  exactly  the 
storehouses  of  which  it  is  composed,  and  designates  the  ^oods 
which,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others,  may  be  deposited  therein. 

Section  II. — Guard  and  surveillance  oj  the  warehouse. 

Art.  315.  The  warehouse  is  confided  to  the  guard  of  the  depa- 
sitor.  The  clerks  of  the  administration  of  direct  contributions,, 
customs  and  excise  haye  access  thereto  at  all  times  to  carry  into 
effect  their  surveillance. 

Art.  316.  It  is  forbidden  to  deposite  in  the  warehouse  goods  not 
declared  for  this  destination. 

In  order  to  avoid  all  confusion,  depositors  take  care  that  the 
doors  of  the  storehouses  serving  as  the  warehouses  are  kept  closed, 
except  at  the  hours  of  opening  necessary  to  effect  the  entry  and 
exit  of  goods,  or  to  give  to  these  goods  the  attention  that  their 
preservation  calls  for. 

Art.  317.  The  depositor  keeps  the  key  of  the  warehouse.  It 
must  be  found  constantly  at  his  place  of  residence,  at  the  disposal 
of  the  person  who  represents  him  in  case  of  absence,  so  that  it  may 
be  yielded  without  delay  on  the  requisition  of  the  clerk. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


303 


Art.  318.  The  clerks  of  the  custom-house  are  charged  to  super- 
intend the  stowing  of  the  goods,  the  putting  on  and  preservation  of 
the  labels.  For  this  object  the  visit  to  the  storehouse  serving  as 
the  warehouse. 

Section  III. — Designation  of  the  goods  admitted  or  excluded. 

Art.  319. — With  the  exception  noted  in  the  11th  article  of  the 
law,  no  goods  are  admitted  into  the  warehouse  if  they  are  not 
sound  and -of  merchantable  quality. 

Art.  320.  The  warehouse  receives  those  goods  only  which  are 
specified  in  the  act  of  concession. 

The  following  are  alone  admitted  into  the  warehouse: 

1st.  Coarse  cane  and  beet  sugars; 

2d.  Fruits  of  all  kinds,  provided  they  are  packed  in  cases  sus- 
ceptible of  being  plumbed; 
3rd.  Green  or  dry  hides; 
4th.  Oleaginous  seeds; 
5th.  Ashes; 
6th.  Guano. 

As  respects  oleaginous  seeds,  hides,  and  fruits,  the  portions  of 
these  goods  which  are  subject  to  different  duties,  cannot  be  de- 
posited in  the  same  warehouse,  unless  the  owner  renounces  the 
privilege  of  transit. 

Section  IV. — Movement  of  goods  on  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  321.  The  entry  of  goods  into  the  warehouse  takes  place: 
1st.  By  direct  importation; 

2nd.  By  transfer  from  a  ft-ee,  public,  or  aonstructive  warehouse. 

Art.  ^322.  Direct  importation  takes  place  after  unloading  and 
Verification  at  the  office  designated  to  that  effect.  Entry  into  the 
warehouse  is  effected  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport. 

Art.  323.  The  transfer  into  a  warehouse  of  goods  coming  froua 
another  vrarehouse  takes  place  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary  pass- 
port on  all  the  established  routes  in  the  interior  of  the  kingdom. 

Section  V. — Quantities  admitted  to  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  324.  Custom-house  goods  are  entered  into  the  warehouse 
in  all  quantities. 

Art.  325.  The  entry  of  coarse  cane  and  beet  sugars  into  the 
warehouse  does  not  take  pla«e  in  less  quantities  than  500  kilo- 
grammes. 

Quantities  iess  than  this  minimum  are  declared  to  be  for  con- 
sumption with  payment  of  the  duties  in  cash. 

Section  VI. — Formalities  on  entry  into  the  warehouse. 

Art.  326.  Entry  into  the  warehouse  takes  place  after  verifica- 
tion and  in  conformity  with  the  laws  in  force. 


304 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


The  verification  and  storing  are  stated  by  the  clerks  charged  with 
the  surveillance,  who  note  it  in  the  memorandum  book.  After 
having  furnished  the  precautionary  passports,  with  the  certificates 
required,  they  send  this  document  to  the  superintendent  in  order 
that  he  may  debit  the  warehouse  account. 

Art.  327.  The  law  respecting  sugars  not  according  any  tare  for 
beet  sugars,  the  precautionary  passports  state  the  gross  and  nett 
weight,  the  marks  and  numbers  of  the  package.  On  entry  into 
the  warehouse,  the  clerks  verify  the  net  weight  by  the  weight  of 
the  20th  part  at  least  of  the  package. 

Section  VII. — Position  and  stowage  of  goods. 

Art.  328.  Goods  are  arranged  in  the  w^arehouse  according  to  the 
convenience  of  the  depositor.  But  they  are  stowed  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  render  at  all  times  easy  the  enumeration  of  the  cases. 

Art.  329.  The  clerks  charged  with  the  superintendence  keep  a 
memorandum  bock,  which  states  the  entries  and  exits,  as  well  as 
the  changes  made  in  the  stowage,  and,  in  case  such  there  be,  in  the 
packages.    They  countersign  the  documents  of  entry  and  exit. 

Section  Vill.  —  Change  in  the  'packages,. 

Art.  330.  Excepting  fruits,  goods  cannot  have  their  packages 
changed  except  in  exceptional  cases,  and  upon  the  written  authority 
of  the  superior  officer  in  the  arrondissement, 

TtiOse  which  are  packed  in  cases  other  than  those  which  are 
found  mentioned  in  tiie  accounts,  and  in  the  memorandum  book, 
are  considered  as  not  regularly  deposited.  A  report  on  this  point 
is  drawn  up  by  application  of  the  57th  article  of  the  law. 

Section  IX. — Preservation  of  goods. 

Art.  331.  Depositors  are  required  to  watch  over  the  good  pre- 
servation of  their  merchandise. 

Should  they  neglect  to  do  so,  the  superintendent  invites  their  at- 
tention thereto  in  w^riting. 

If  necessary,  the  superintendent  formally  requires  the  depositor 
to  give  to  his  goods  every  week  the  necessary  care,  under  the 
penalty  of  being  deprived  of  the  benefit  of  the  warehouse.  If  the 
depositor  do  not  obey  this  requisition,  the  goods  cease  to  be  put 
under  the  regulations  of  the  warehouse.  They  must  be  declared 
for  consumption  before  the  expiration  of  the  following  month,  or 
removed  from  the  warehouse  by  the  application  of  article  23  of  the 
law. 

Section  X. — Goods  damaged  on  the  road. 

Art.  332.  Goods  damaged  on  the  road  are  not  admitted  into  the 
warehouse  until  the  amount  of  damage  they  have  sustained  is  sta- 
ted conformably  with  article  126  of  the  general  law. 

The  causes  of  the  damages  must  be  proven  by  means  of  the  ship- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


305 


ping  paperS;  or  anther  authentic  documents  which  may  serve  as 
proof. 

The  verification  of  the  damage  before  admission  into  the  ware- 
house takes  place  in  the  discharging  office. 

Art.  .333.  Fruits  damaged  on  the  road  are  admitted  into  the 
warehouse  only  after  previous  renunciation  of  the  benefit  of  article 
126  of  the  general  law. 

Art.  334.  The  reduction  of  duties  accorded  on  account  of  dam- 
age, conformably  with  article  126  of  the  general  law,  bears  only 
upon^the  custom  house  entry  duties,  and  can  be  allowed  only  at 
the  moment  of  exposure  for  consumption,  and  according  to  the  de- 
gree of  damage  then  existing. 

This  redaction  cannot,  in  any  case,  be  calculated  at  the  rate  of  a 
higher  degree  of  damage  than  that  stated  at  the  discharging  office. 

Art.  335.  The  degree  of  damage  stated,  as  mentioned  in  article 
332,  is  indicated  in  the  document  for  entry.  The  report  of  the  ap- 
praisers is  held  in  support  of  this  document,  and  remains  annexed 
to  the  account. 

Art.  336.  With  the  exception  at  article  334  as  respects  coarse 
cane  sugars  declared  for  the  warehouse,  the  reduction  upon  the 
custom-house  duties  may  be  allowed  before  storing,  upon  previous 
payment  of  the  said  duties. 

Art.  337.  The  appraisement  of  the  account,  as  well  as  the  bal- 
ancing thereof,  take  place  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  pre- 
sent regulation,  save  the  following  restrictions: 

.1st:  Damaged  goods  go  out  of  the  warehouse  for  consumption 

2d.  Save  the  exception  provided  in  the  preceding  article,  at  the 
time  of  exposure  to  consumption  of  damaged  goods,  the  reduction 
upon  the  custom- house  duties  is  calculated  according  to  the  degree 
of  damage  stated,  in  conformity  with  article  332,  unless  the  super- 
intendent consider  that  the  real  damages  at  the  time  of  exit  be  less, 
in  which  case  it  must  be  stated  de  novo. 

Section  XI. — Searches. 

Art.  338.  The  warehouse  is  searched  at  least  once  a  year.  The 
depositor  is  invited  to  be  present.  The  warehouse  granted  for 
coarse  cane  or  bett  sugars  is  searched  at  least  once  every  six 
months.  The  clerks  are  furnished  with  written  and  special  autho- 
rity to  this  effect  from  the  superior  officer  in  the  arrondisseraent. 

Art.  339.  The  search  of  the  w^ar'ehouse  takes  place  by  enumera- 
tion of  the  cases,  and  a  summary  examination  of  the  quantities  ac- 
cording to  the  weight  or  measurement  taken  on  entry;  but  this  is 
done  with  more  exactness  if  any  notable  difference  appears,  or  if 
any  question  arise.  The  clerks  cause  some  of  the  cases  selected 
by  them  to  be  opened  to  verify  the  kind  of  goods. 

Art.  340.  Without  proceeding  to  a  search,  the  clerks  often  visit 
the  warehouse,  and  more  especially  the  one  containing  sugars.  At 
each  visit  they  satisfy  themselves  if  the  doors  of  the  warehouse  are 
kept  closed,  whether  there  has  been  any  change  of  cases  without 
20 


306 


Ex.  Doc.  No  57. 


authority ,  and  whether  there  have  been  depositecrin  the  warehouse 
any  goods  not  declared  for  this  destination.  They  note  summarily 
ihe  quantities  of  goods  found. 

Art.  341.  The  clerks  draw  up  in  duplicate  a  report  of  the  search; 
one  of  the  copies  is  sent  to  the  superintendent,  the  other  to  the  de- 
positor. 

The  accounts  are  debited  with  the  excess  stated.  With  regard 
to  those  missing,  the  custom-house  and  excise  duties  are  immedi- 
ately paid  in  cash,  according  to  the  tariffs  then  in  force. 

Art.  342.  The  excess  recognized  in  one  warehouse  cannot  be 
carried  to  the  credit  of  a  deficiency  stated  in  another  warehouse 
conceded  to  the  same  depositor. 

Art.  343.  The  deficiency  stated  gives  rise  to  the  application  of 
the  penalty  pronounced  by  article  35  of  the  law,  when  it  exceeds 
10  per  cent,  of  the  account  resulting  from  each  acknowledgment 
af  reception. 

Section  XI  f. — Movemuit  of  goods  on  exit  from  the  warehouse . 

Art.  344.  Warehouse  g.oods  are  removed: 
1st.  By  ordinary  transit; 

2il.  By  transfer  into  another  constructive  Warehouse; 
3d.  For  consumption. 

Art.  345.  Ordinar}  transit  takes  place  without  distinction  of  the 
ways  adopted  for  arriving  at  ^he  warehouse,  or  for  leaving  it. 

Exit  from  the  warehouse  takes  place  after  declaration  and  veri- 
ication,  conformably  with  the  law  of  18th  June,  1836,  in  virtue  of 
i  transit  receipt. 

Saving  the  prohibitions  and  the  exemption  from  rates  established 
by  the  laws  in  force,  goods  are  removed  from  the  warehouse  for 
ordinary  transit  upon  payment  of  the  rates. 

Art.  346.  Article  323  is  applicable  to  exit  from  the  warehouse 
by  transfer  to  another  constructive  warehouse. 

Art.  347.  Goods,  to  which  entry  i^  not  prohibited,  are  removed 
from  the  warehouse  for  consumption,  after  declaration  in  detail 
and  verification,  according  to  the  formalities  and  under  the  condi- 
tions prescribed  by  the  laws  in  force. 

The  custom  house  duties  are,  in  all  cases,  paid  in  cash,  before 
the  verification  and  removal;  excise  duties  are  paid,  or  may  be  ap- 
praised, upon  limited  credit,  after  verification. 

Removal  takes  place: 

ist.  For  custom-house  goods  in  virtue  of  a  receipt  for  payment; 

2d.  For  excise  goods  in  virtue  of  a  precautionary  passport, 
stating  that  the  excise  shall  be  paid'in  cash,  or  shall  be  appraised 
on  limited  credit. 

Art.  348.  Samples,  whatever  may  be  their  value,  are  removable 
from  the  warehouse  only  upon  payment  of  the  duties  in  cash. 

Section  XIII. — Quantities  allowed  to  go  out  of  the  xoarehousc. 

Art.  349.  Custom-hruse  gODds  are  removed  from  the  warehouse 
in  all  quantities. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57.  307 

Art.  350.  The  transfer  into  another  constructive  warehouse  of 
coarse  sugar,  does  not  take  place  in  less  quantities  than  500  kilo- 
grammes. 

Art.  351.  The  exit  from  the  warehouse  of  coarse  su^ar  re- 
moved  for  consumption,  cannot  take  place  in  less  quantities  than 
oUO  kilogrammes.  ^ 

In  case  of  removal  for  consumption  upon  payment  of  the  excise 
in  cash,  this  minimum  is  not  observed  if  the  goods  declared  are  the 

•f'7'!\'P^y'^''"^'"^'-    ^"^lo^eover,   the  deliveries 
made  to  individuals  take  place  upon  payment  of  the  excise  in  cash 
m  quantities  of  50  kilogrammes  or  upwards.  ' 

SECT^iojf  XIY.— Formalities  on  exit  from  the  warehouse, 

.  tlu  ^f-^'  ■^'^  ^''''^l  removed  from  the  warehouse  unless 

a  declaration  for  exit  has  been  sent  to  the  superintendent  with  the 
acknowledgment  of  reception.  There  must  be  as  many  distinct 
declarations  as  there  are  destinations  and  modes  of  removal. 

Ihis  declaration  IS  made  conformably  with  the  laws  in  force, 
with  the  same  effect  as  if  it  had  been  made  at  the  first  office  of 
entry.  ^."ioc  ui 

After  having  verified  the  accordance  of  the  declaration  with  the 
account  and  the  acknowledgment,  the  superintendent  couatersicms 
It  in  order  to  authorize  the  collector  of  the  customs  of  the  place^'to 
deliver  the  documents  required. 

Art.  353  The  necessary  documents  being  obtained,  the  como- 
troller  designates  the  clerks  charged  with  proceeding  to  the  verifi- 
cation of  the  goods,  and  to  assist  in  their  removal  Tnev  state 
he  result  of  their  labor  upon  the  back  of  the  documents;  after  which 
these  papers  are  sent  to  the  superintendent,  who  credits  the  ac- 
count  with  the  quantities  stated  in  the  certificate  of  the  clerks 

wh-T^'M  "''^^^  "P^^        acknowledgment  of  reception! 

which  he  then  restores  to  the  depositor.  ^  ' 

The  quantities  removed  from  the  warehouse  in  the  absence  of 
.he  clerks  constitute  a  deficiency  in  the  warehouse.  But,  in  ex- 
ceptionable cases,  the  comptroller  may  authorize  the  removals,  in 
UTa    A    t     IT'  ""^''^'^  provi.led  that  the  totality  of  the 

verificafio'il''^  '^"^^  previously  been  submitted  to 

Art  354.  In  exception  to  the  principle  stated  in  article  5, 
the  value  of  fruits  declared  for  exit  from  the  constructive  ware- 
entTy    ''''  ^^""^  ^^^^  mentioned  in  the  declaration  for 

Section  XY .—  Warehouse  accounts. 
Art.  355    The  superintendent  keeps  a  register  in  order  to  insure 

^'^^^ --y 

*°  warehouses  conceded  to  the 

same  depositor  are  not  to  be  confounded  in  the  same  account 


308 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Art.  356.  The  account  is  debited: 
1st.  On  direct  importation; 

2d.  By  transfer  from  a  free,  public,  or  constructive  warehonscj 
with  the  quantities  sUied  by  the  clerks  on  the  back  of  the  docu- 
ments furnished  with  certificates  of  storage. 

The  account  of  the  warehouse  conceded  for  coarse  beet  sugars 
is  debited  only  with  the  sugars  of  the  factory  to  which  it  is  an- 
nexed, if  the  warehouse  is  not  established  in  the  conditions  re- 
quired by  the  38th  article  of  the  law  of  dth  April,  1843,  relative 
to  sugars. 

Art.  357.  Goods  are  inscribed  on  the  account  in  the  naine  of  the 
depositor,  holder  of  the  grant.  He  affixes  to  each  document  for 
storage  an  acknowledgment  of  the  receipt  of  the  goods.  The  su- 
perintendent delivers  to  him  a  duplicate  thereof. 

Art.  358.  The  account  is  credited  with  the  quantities  stated  by 
the  clerks  on  exit  from  the  warehouse: 

1st.  For  ordinary  transit; 

2d.  By  transfer  into  another  constructive  warehouse; 

3d.  For  consumption.  \ 

The  account  of  the  warehouse  conceded  for  coarse  beet"  sugars  is 
credited  only  by  removal  for  consumption,  if  the  warehouse  is  not 
established  in  the  conditions  required  by  the  38th  article  of  the 
law  of  4th  April,  1843,  relative  to  sugars. 

Art.  359.  For  damaged  goods,  the  account  and  the  acknowledg- 
ment of  reception  mention  the  degree  of  damage. 

When,  in  the  case  provided  for  by  article  336,  the  custom-house 
duties  have  been  paid  before  the  storage  of  damaged  sugars,  the 
account,  the  acknowledgment  of  reception,  and  the  documents  for 
exit,  all  make  mention  of  this  circumstance. 

Art.  360.  The  accounts  are  not  closed  in  consequence  of  a 
search,  unless  this  search  show  a  quantity  in  excess  or  missing  giv- 
ing rise  to  contest.  In  this  case  the  quantity  found  is  inscribed  in 
the  new  account,  and  after  payment  of  the  duties,  if  any  there  be, 
the  superintendent  delivers  a  new  acknowledgment  of  receipt,  in 
exchange  for  the  one  to  which  the  excess  or  deficiency  has  relation,. 

The  superintendent  refuses  all  countersign  for  exit  from  the 
warehouse,  until  the  exchange  of  the  acknowledgments  of  recep- 
tion is  effected. 

At  the  close  of  the  process  the  accounts  are  drawn  up.  The  in- 
scriptions of  appraisement  are  carried  to  the  new  account;  the 
quantities  inscribed  in  credit  are  added  up  and  carried  to  the  credit 
of  the  new  account,  without  it  being  necessary  to  exchange  the 
acknowledgments  of  reception. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

General  provisions. 

Art.  361.  The  laborers,  porters,  and  workmen  employed  in  the 
ree  warehouse  or  in  its  enclosure,  and  in  the  public  warehouse,  are 


^      Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


309 


accepted  by  the  director  in  the  province,  who  has  always  the  right 
to  revoke  them. 

The  acceptance  takes  place  on  the  presentation  of  the  adminis- 
trative committee,  or  if  there  be  no  committee,  on  the  presentation 
of  the  superintendent. 

But  the  owners  may,  on  their  personal  responsibility,  authorize 
their  workmen,  not  previously  accepted  by  the  director,  to  work 
for  their  account  in  the  free  warehouse  and  in  its  enclosure,  or  ia 
the  public  warehouse. 

This  authority  is  nominative  and  given  in  writing.  It  cannot  be 
given  to  workmen  previously  revoked  by  the  director. 

The  comptroller,  if  he  think  it  necessary,  causes  the  application 
of  article  33  of  the  law  of  6th  April,  1843',  (Bulletin  Officiel,  No. 
156,)  to  the  workmen,  porters,  and  laborers  employed  in  the  pri- 
vate or  constructive  warehouses. 

Art.  362.  The  expense  of  unloading,  reloading,  unpacking,  and 
of  plumbs,  caused  by  the  provisions  of  the  present  regulation, 
either  in  the  different  warehouses,  or  at  the  entry  into,  or  exit  from, 
these  establishments,  are  at  the  cost  of  the  owners.  They  are  re- 
quired to  furnish  the  workmen,  porters,  and  laborers,  whose  ser- 
vices are  necessary. 

Art.  363.  In  the  free  and  public  warehouses  the  administration 
furnishes,  at  the  cost  of  the  corporate  authority,  the  scales,  weights, 
measures,  and  other  utensils  necessary  in  the  operations  of  verifi- 
cation, either  in  the  enclosure  or  in  the  storehouses. 

The  superintendent  keeps  an  inventory  of  these  articles,  sees 
that  they  are  taken  care  of,  and  causes  the  necessary  repairs  to  be 
made  at  the  expense  of  the  authority. 

In  the  private  and  constructive  warehouses,  these  utensils  are 
furnished  by  the  depositors. 

Art.  364.  The  comptroller  sees  that  the  utensils  employed  in  the 
verifications,  as  well  in  the  private  and  constructive  warehouses,  as 
in  the  free  and  public  ones,  are  constantly  in  good  order. 

The  weights  and  measures  must  annually  be  subjected  to  sealing. 
From  time  to  time  the  comptroller  verifies  their  exactness,  and,  if 
necessary,  causes  them  to  be  submitted  to  the  sealer  of  weights 
and  measures. 

Art.  365.  The  locks  put  upon  private  warehouses  are  furnished 
by  the  administration  and  remain  its  property. 

Each  concession  of  a  private  warehouse,  issued  by  the  director, 
gives  rise  to  the  payment  of  a  sum  of  ten  francs,  by  which'the  ad- 
ministration engages  to  keep  the  locks  in  order  as  long  as  the  con- 
cession lasts. 

The  depositor  is  required  to  pay  this  sum,  upon  a  receipt,  into 
the  hands  of  the  receiver  charged  with  the  custody  of  the  tines  in 
the  arrondissement,  before  being  able  to  introduce  goods  into  the 
warehouse  conceded  to  him. 

Art.  366.  The  minister  decrees  the  form  of  the  declarations, 
registers,  and  other  documents,  of  which  the  use  is  prescribed  by 
the  present  regulations. 


310 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Captains  of  vessels,  conductors  of  goods,  depositors,  and  others 
interested  are  required  to  conform  ihereto  exactly. 

Art.  367.  Infractions  of  the  provisions  of  the  present  regula- 
tions are  punished  by  the  fine  fixed  by  the  article  58,  section  1  of 
the  law,  without  prejudice  to  the  eventual  application  of  the  pe- 
nalties contenipiated  by  general  or  special  laws. 

The  penalties  fixed  by  \he  laws  for  false  or  inexact  declarations 
are  applicable  to  the  general  declarations  and  other  documents 
mentioned  in  articles  28,  33,  37  and  39,  section  2,  of  the  law. 

Art.  368.  The  plans  of  the  free  or  public  warehouses  to  be 
opened  are  submitted  to  the  minister.  The  localities  must  contain 
offices  for  the  comptroller,  the  superintendent,  the  collector,  and 
the  examiners  and  clerks,  as  well  as  a  suitable  residence  for  the 
superintendent  and  the  guard  of  the  storehouse. 
.This  provision  is  applicable  to  the  present  warehouses. 

Art.  369.  All  provisions  contrary  to  the  present  regulations  are 
abrogated,  and  especially  the  following  decrees,  viz: 

Of  the   6th  June,          1819,  No.  4; 

8th  February,   1823,  No.  79; 

31st  December,  1827,  No.  100; 

14th  November,  1833,  No.  1; 

18th  June,          1836,  No.  6;  ' 

11th  November,  1840,  No.  2; 

3d  December,  1844,  No.  2. 


CHAPTER  VII. 
Temporary  provisions.  * 

Art.  374.  The  present  warehouses  for  free  re-exportation,  being 
in  suitable  locations,  are  maintained  in  the  cities  admitted  to  open 
a  free  w^ehouse,  and  until  the  latter  shall  be  there  established. 

These  warehouses  shall  be  governed  by  the  provisions  of  the 
present  regulation  relative  to  public  warehouses;  they  shall  con- 
tinue besides:  * 

1st.  To  re-export  by  sea; 

2d.  To  receive  coarse  salt. 

The  re-exportation  shall  be  made  certain  by  means  of  a  transit 
receipt  issued  in  conformity  with  the  laws  in  force. 

Art.  371.  The  superintendence  of  the  warehouse  for  free  re-ex- 
portation at  Antwerp  shall  be  exercised,  while  awaiting  the  erec- 
tion of  the  free  warehouse,  with  the  assistance  of  the  committee 
instituted  by  the  royal  decree  of  the  8th  November,  1841,  No.  1. 

The  cotomittee  will  conform  to  the  2d  section  of  chapter  2  of 
the  present  regulation. 

Art.  372.  While  awaiting  the  erection  of  free  warehouses,  the 
provisions  of  article  125  will  be  applicable  to  the  ports  where 
there  are  warehouses  for  free  re  exportation. 

Nevertheless,  the  rem^oval  of  goods  from  the  special  locality  for 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


the  warehouse  for  free  re-exportation  shall  take  place  conformably 
with  the  provisions  in  force. 

Art.  373.  The  temporary  places  of  deposite  for  warehouses  es- 
tablished by  the  royal  decree  of  5th  June,  1845,  (Moniteur,  No. 
158,)  are  maintained,  while  awaiting  the  levelling  to  the  State  rail- 
road of  the  free  or  public  warehouses  of  which  they  are  depen- 
dencies; and  by  extension  of  the  1st  §*of  article  11  of  that  decree^ 
goods  can  be  declared  on  exit  from  the  temporary  places  of  de- 
posite for  transit  by  the  State  railroad. 

The  conditions  and  formalities  prescribed  by  the  said  decree 
vv^ill  continue  to  be  observed. 

Art.  374.  The  private  or  constructive  warehouses  now  conceded 
for  goods  not  denominated  in  articles  260  and  320,  are  suppressed 
from  the  1st  January,  1848.  But  the  removal  of  the  goods  then 
lying  in  these  warehouses  shall  only  take  place  according  to  the 
declarations  for  exit  made  by  the  depositors,  according  to  one  of 
the  modes  indicated  in  articles  307  and  358. 

The  concessions  of  the  private  or  constructive  warehouses  actu- 
ally existing,  for  the  goods  designated  in  articles  260  and  320,  shall 
be  renewed  by  the  directors,  after  the  formalities  and  conditions 
prescribed  by  articles  249  and  314  shall  have  been  complied  with. 

The  Minister  of  Finapce  is  charged  with  the  execution  of  the 
present  regulation,  which  shall  be  published^in  the  Moniteur,  and 
rendered  obligatory  from  the  1st  January,  1848. 

LEOPOLD. 

By  the  King: 

J.  Malon, 

Tke  Minister  of  Finance. 


[Translation  of  No.  14.] 

Customs. — Models  determined  uporr  for  the  entrepot  service. 

Brussels,  August  5,  1847. 

The  minister  of  finance,  having  examined  article  366  of  the  gen- 
eral regulation  for  the  service  of  entrepots,  approved  by  royal  de- 
cree of  the  7th  July,  1847,  I^o.  1,  (Monitor  No,  217,)  conceived 
in  the  following  terms: 

The  minister  of  finance  orders  the  model  of  declarations,  re- 
gisters, afid  other  documents,  the  use  of  which  is  prescribed  by  the 
present  law. 

"  Captains  of  vessels,  conductors  of  merchandise,  interpositofs, 
and  others  concerned,  are  bound  to  conform  exactly  thereto." 

The  director  general  of  direct  taxes,  customs,  and  excise,  having 
been  heard. 

Orders:  The  models  of  registers,  ;ind  other  documents  of  the  se- 
ries entrepots  now  in  use,  shall  be  suppressed  from  and  after  the 
1st  January,  1848,  and  those  the  nomenclature  of  which  follows, 
substituted  therefor: 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


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314 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


Q. 

Series  of  questions  addressed  to  the  customs  authorities  at  IlavrCy 

with  their  replies. 

AVhat  merchandise  is  required  to  be  stowed  in  the  customs  ware- 
houses, and  what  in  private  warehouses^ 

Is  the  importer  or  owner  authorised  to  examine  his  merchandise 
when  it  is  stored  in  the  government  warehouses,  in  order  to  renew 
or  alter  the  description  of  packages? 

To  take  samples,  and  on  what  conditions'? 

Is  merchandise  declared  tp  be  for  exportation  subject  to  verifi- 
cation? 

What  security  is  required  for  the  safe  keeping  of  merchandise  in 
private  warehouses,  and  in  what  cases  is  security  required  from 
owners  or  importers? 

What  are  the  penalties  or  fines  incurred  for  disposing  of  the  mer- 
.chandise  in  the  warehouse  without  the  previous  authority  of  the 
customs? 

The  guaranties  against  fire,  burglary,  &c.,  of  merchandise  in  the 
government  warehouses.  • 

A  copy  of  the  French  tariff,  with  the  expenses  of  storage,  sala- 
ries of  the  workmen  in  the  warehouses,  and  the  expense  of  leading 
for  transportation. 

Are  all  goods  sent  from  one  port  to  another  in  France  subject  to 
be  sealed  or  leaded? 

The  penalties  or  fines  incurred  for*  deficit  in  the  delivery  of  goods 
embarked  or  sent  by  land  from  one  port  to  another. 


There  are  two  sorts  of  entrepot — the  fictitious  and  the  real  en- 
trepot. 

The  fictitious  entrepot  is  established  in  the  warehouses  of  private 
individuals,  who  alone  keep  the  key.  They  enter  into  bonds,  wath 
security  approved  by  the  customs,  to  exhibit  the  packages  in  iden- 
tical number  and  sort  at  every  requisition  of  the  inspectors,  and 
either  to  pay  the  duties  on  them  or  reexport  them  within  the  space 
of  a  year,  which  time  is  almost  always  prolonged,  at  their  request, 
by  the  government.  The  merchandise  admissible  into  the  fictitious 
entrepot  is  designated  in  the  work  of  Bourgat,  vol.  1,  page  298,  in 
a  note;  and  vol.  2,  pages  6  and  7.  Royal  ordinances  have  subse- 
quently added  coals  and  cottons. 

The  real  entrepot  is  established  in  warehouses  belonging  to 
cities,  to  boards  of  trade,  or  to  private  companies.  The  customs 
has  a  key  of  it.  It  limits  itself  to  guarding  the  two  issues,  the  one 
for  the  entry  of  the  merchandise,  the  other  for  its  exit,  and  to 
keeping  accounts  (as  for  the  fictitious  entrepot)  with  the  depositors 
by  debit  and  credit.  The  collection  of  storage  is  made  by  special 
agents  belonging  to  the  company,  [or  proprietors,]  who  alone  are 
responsible  to  the  concerned  ^r  any  loss  of  packages,  either  by 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


315 


jobbery  or  incendiarism,  &c.  The  warehouses  being  closed  with 
two  keys,  one  of  which  is  in  the  hands  of  the  representative  of  the 
company  and  the  other  in  the  hands  of  the  customs,  the  latter  has 
no  occasion  to  require  security.  The  duration  of  the  real  entrepot 
is  for  three  yeais;  but  the  administration  almost  always  allows  an 
extension  to  five,  six,  seven,  eight  and  even  to  ten  years,  for  the 
customs  regards  the.  real  entrepot  as  a  continuation  of  the  foreign 
-soil.  All  handling,  all  alteration  of  the  packages,  either  by  con- 
verting several  into  a  single  one,  or  a  single  one  into  several,  is 
prohibited  in  the  fictitious  entrepot,  and  permitted  in  the  real  en- 
trepot^ only  it  is  necessary  previously  to  obtain  the  authority  of 
the  customs,  which  requires  nothing  more  than  that  a  simple  in- 
spector be  present  at  the  operation,  who  afterwards  modifies  the 
writings  accordingly.  All  merchandise  whatever  is  admitted  into 
the  real  entrepot,  even  what  is  admissible  into  the  fictitious  entre- 
pot. Samples  may  be  previously  tajien,  but  upon  condition  of  im- 
mediate payment  of  the  duties  upon  them.  If  the  depositor  wishes 
lo  pay  duties  upon  all  the  merchandise  charged  in  one  account,  he 
is  at  liberty  to  have  it  verified  or  not.  In  the  first  case  (though  in 
principle  the  duty  is  due  upon  the  quantities  entered  into  the  real 
entrepot,  without  regard  to  leakage  or  desiccation)  he  pays,  never- 
theless, only  upon  the  ascertained  weight,  and  the  administration 
remits  the  duty  on  the  deficit  whenever  the  local  authorities  certify 
that  this  deficit  does  not  proceed  either  from  robbery  or  abstrac- 
tion. In  the  second  case,  he  pays  according  to  the  weight  recog- 
nised on  entry. 

But  if  the  depositor  wishes  to  pay  only  for  a  part  of  a  single  ac- 
count, without  verification,  he  can  only  do  so  upon  condition  of 
renouncing  the  right  of  verification  for  the  other  part.  This  is 
prescribed  especially  to  fix  exactly  the  quantities  remaining  in 
France  and  the  quantities  which  may  be  sent  to  foreign  countries. 
Merchandise  reexported,  whether  from  the  fictitious  or  real  entre- 
pot, is  always  weighed,  to  the  end  that  the  exact  quantities  may  be 
known  which  remain  liable  to  duty. 

I  have  already  said  that  security  is  required  only  for  the  mer- 
chandise lodged  in  the  fictitious  entrepot;  but  if  it  be  desired  to 
transport  this  merchandise  either  from  one  French  port  to  another, 
or  from  a  French  to  a  foreign  port,  security  is  required.  In  the 
first  case  a  clearance  is  granted,  called  a  discharge,  in  which  the 
customs  at  the  port  of  departure  designates  the  number,  kind  and 
mark  of  the  packages,  their  contents  and  their  weight.  This  clear- 
ance accompanies  the  merchandise  lo  the  port  of  destination.  There 
the  customs  aflfixes  to  the  discharge  a  certificate  of  reception.  Pe- 
nalties vary  according  as  there  may  be  a  deficit  or  excess,  or  differ- 
ences in  the  kinds  of  merchandise  according  as'it  may  be  prohibited 
from  entry  or  export.  Generally  speaking,  the  penalty  is  double 
the  duty,  or  the  payment  of  the  value  of  the  quantities  wanting, 
with  a  fine  of  100  to  500  francs.  In  the  second  case  a  nearly  simi- 
lar clearance  is  granted;  and  the  discharge  is  granted  only  upon 
returning  this  clearance  with  two  certificates  of  inspectors  upon  it, 
proving,  the  one,  the  embarkation  of  the  packages — the  other,  the 


316 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


departure  from  port  of  the  vessel  with  the  said  papkages.  There 
is  yet  another  security  for  the  transportation  of  foreign  merchan- 
dise entering  at  a  land  office  and  departing  from  a  port,  or  entering 
at  a  French  port  and  departing  from  a  land  office#or  from  another 
French  port,  land  carriage  being  understood,  is  what  we  call  transit. 
Merchandise  of  this  description  is  placed  (without  exception)  under 
one  leading  and  one  packing,  or  under  two  leadings  and  two  pack- 
ings, at  the  discretion  of  the  merchant,  except  a  small  number  of 
articles  of  merchandise  which  are  of  necessity  placed  under  two 
leadings. 

The  penalties  vary  according  to  the  differences,  more  or  less,  ad- 
mitted by  the  collector  at  the  office  of  arrival.  The  transit  may 
always  be  suspended  in  the  course  of  transportation^  and  the  duties 
paid  at  any  office  of  customs  whatever,  or  the  goods  even  put  into 
warehouse.  Merchandise  despatched  in  continuation  from  entre- 
pot— that  is  to  say,  from  onetf'rench  port  to  another  French  port — 
is  leaded  in  the  cases  pointed  out  in  the  work  of  Bourgat — vol.  1, 
page  292.  As  to  French  goods,  they  circulate  by  land  at  the  dis- 
tance of  four  leagues  from  the  frontier  by  means  of  simple  permits, 
and  w^ithin  that  distance  free. 

The  administration  never  allows  an  exemption  of  duty  for  the 
deficit  of  the  fictitious  entrepot,  as'  the  goods  there  are  always  at 
the  free  disposition  of  the  owners.  If  a  depositor  dispose  of  goods 
lodged  in  a  fictitious  entrepot  before  the  duties  on  them  are  paid, 
he  subjects  himself  to  pay  double  duties,  and  a  fine,  moreover, 
which  may  amount  to  double  the  value  of  the  goods. 

I  forgot  to  say  that  goods  subject  to  plumbage,  and  which  are 
not  in  packages — as  irons,  for  example — are  tied  together  by  a  lig- 
ature fastened  by  a  lead,  or  marked  with  an  iron  stamp,  or  sealed 
with  wax,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  goods. 

AUTIE, 

Inspector  of  the  customs. 

Messrs.  C.  C.  ^^^^^^^  |  Commissioners  from  United  States. 
Havre,  September  30,  1847. 


LETTER  OF  CLEARANCE, 

OR 

ACCOUNTS  OF  PARTICULARS.  . 


i 


318 


Ex.  Doc  No.  57. 


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328 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


[Extracts  from  the  French  customs  and  warehousing  laws.] 
BOOK  VII.-TRANSIT. 
Chapter  I. 

Transit  of  non-prekibited  goods — description  of  goods — bureaus. 

488.  All  goodsj  stuffs  or  articles  of  manufacture  subject  to  duties 
on  their  entrance  into  the  kingdom,  with  the  exception  only  of 
those  designated  in  the  catalogue  No.  1,  (1)  nnay,  by  the  condi- 
tions prescribed  by  this  present  law — and  by  those  of  the  17th  of 
Pecember,  1814,  21st  of  April,  1818,  27th  of  July,  1822,  and  17th 
May,  1826 — be  despatched  in  transit  from  all  the  ports  where  gov- 
ernment warehouses  are  established  (2)  to  issue  through  the  bureaus 
on  the  frontier  enumerated  in  catalogue  No.  2.  (3)  (See  law  of  the 
9th  of  February,  1832,  article  1st.) 

489.  All  non-prohibited  goods,  not  excluded'  by  the  catalogue 
No.  1,  may  be  forwarded  in  transit,  under  the  same  conditions, 
from  one  of  the  bureaus  of  the  land  frontier  to  any  other  indicated 
in  the  catalogue  No.  2.  (4)  They  may  likewise — but  to  the  exclu- 
sion of  those  which  are  comprised  in  article  22  of  the  law  of  the 
28th  of  April,  1816,  (6) — be  forwarded  in  transit  from  these  bureaus 
to  the  ports  where  government  warehouses  are  established.  (6) 
(Same  law,  article  2.) 

490.  Transitable  goods  may  be  forwarded  from  one  warehouse 
to  another  by  land,  (7)  under  the  conditions  and  securities  of  tran- 
sit. (8)    (Same  law,  article  25.) 

They  may  under  the  same  conditions  be  forwarded  to  the  ware- 
houses of  the  interior.  (9)  (Law  of  the  27th  of  February,  1832, 
article  2.) 

Inventories, 

491.  Those  who  are  desirous  of  enjoying  the  advantages  of  the 
transit,  either  on  the  arrival  of  the  goods,  (10)  or  on  withdrawing 
them  from  the  real  warehouse,  (11)  shall  be  obliged  to  make  a  de- 
claration at  the  custom-house,  stating  the  quantities,  kinds  and 
qualities,  and  to  have  them  examined,  plumbed  and  forwarded  with 
a  custom-house  discharge.  (12)  (Law  of  the  17th  December,  1814, 
article  5.) 

492.  False  statements  made  at  the  bureau  of  entry,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  obtaining  irregularly  the  transit,  shall  be  liable,  according 
to  their  nature,  to  the  penalties  set  forth  in  articles  18,  20,  21  and 
22,  record  2,  of  the  general  regulations  of  the  22d  of  August,  1791, 
the  same  as  if  the  goods  entered  under  false  declaration  w^ere  in- 
tended for  home  consumption.  (13)    (Same  law,  article  6.) 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


329 


Examination. 

493.  Whenever  the  number  of  packages  of  the  same  species  of 
merchandise,  comprised  in  one  declaration  or  a  custom-house  dis- 
charge, shall  be  five  or  less,  the  examination  shall  be  made  on  one 
package  only.  When  more  than  this  number,  only  a  fifth  of  the 
packages  shall  be  examined,  and  even  fewer  whenever  the  chief 
examiner  shall  judge  proper.  (14)  Dec.  min.  of  the  24th  Septem- 
ber, 1839;  circular  of  the  28th,  No.  1776. 

The  officers  at  the  bureau  of  entry  shall  have  the  right  to  ascer- 
tain the  net  weight,  as  well  as  the  gross  weight,  in  order  to  pre- 
vent misunderstandings  at  the  bureau  of  issue  as  to  the  real  quan- 
tity of  the  goods  and  their  tare.  (15)  (Law  of  the  17th  December, 
1814.) 

Pressed  packages. 

494.  All  regulations  relative  to  the  transit  of  prohibited  goods, 
presented  and  forwarded  in  pressed  packages,  may  at  the  option  of 
the  forwarding  parties  be  rendered  applicable  to  threads  and  tissues 
not  prohibited.  (16)    (Law  of  the  2d  July,  1836,  article  11.) 

Species  and  volume  of  packages. 

495.  The  king  may  by  decree  annul  or  modify  the  list  of  manu- 
factured goods  which  shall  not  be  admitted  to  transit,  unless  they 
are  presented  in  packages  in  good  condition,  of  which  they  will 
designate  the  species  and  the  size  according  to  the  nature  of  their 
contents  and  the  usa^jes  of  commerce.  (Law  of  the  9th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1832,  article  11.) 

Manufactures  of  which  the  transit  is  permitted  must  be  put  up 
in  packages  of  the  kind  indicated  in  table  A,  annexed  to  the  ordi- 
nance. (17)  As  to  the  dimensions  of  the  packages,  they  will  be 
hereafter  fixed  should  it  be  necessary.  (18)  (Ordinance  of  the  11th 
February,  1832,  article  1st.) 

Repairs  to  packages, 

496.  The  overseers  at  the  bureaus  of  entry  shall  insist,  before 
they  are  forwarded,  upon  the  complete  reparation  of  damaged 
casks,  cases  and  bales,  and  those  which  are  in  such  a  condition  that 
articles  might  be  removed  from  them  in  spite  of  the  plumbing. 
(Law  of  the  17th  December,  1816,  article  7.) 

Samples. 

497.  Ordinances  of  the  king  will  designate  the  goods  of  every 
kind,  (19)  of  which  the  identity  must  be  more  specially  guaranteed 
by  taking  samples  of  them,  (20)  which  shall  be  placed  in  separate 
boxes  (21)  sealed  with  the  plumbs  of  the  custom-house,  and  which 


330 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


the  conrluctor  of  the  merchandise  shall  deHver  at  the  bureau  of 
issue.  (22)    (T.aw  of  the  9th  of  February,  1832,  article  11.) 

Separation  of  goods. 

498.  Goods  destined  for  transit  must  be  presented  separately  as 
to  kind  and  quality,  according  to  the  distinctions  of  the  tariff,  in 
such  a  manner  that  the  contents  of  a  package  shall  be  all  of  one 
kind;  provided,  that  the  inside  of  the  cases  be  divided  with  parti- 
tions in  such  a  manner  as  to  separate  goods  of  a  dififerent  nature  or 
quality,  or  that  in  the  bales  each  species  of  goods  be  put  up  in  a 
separate  package.  (23)    (Law  of  9ih  of  February^  1832,  article  13.) 

Plumbing . 

499.  Packages,  whether  containing  prohibited  articles  or  other- 
wise, (24)  shall  be  examined  and  plumbed,  as  required  by  the  arti- 
cle 31  of  the  law  of  the  21st  of  April,  1818,  except  in  the  case  pro- 
vided for  by  article  5  of  this  law,  No.  517:  {Law  of  the  9th  Feb- 
ruary, 1832,  article  14.) 

500.  These  packages  shall,  af:er  a  careful  examination,  be  sub- 
jected to  double  pluinbage;  the  iirst  on  the  contents  themselves, 
which  shall  be  pierced  so  that  the  cord  shall  traverse  their  angles^ 
(25)  the  second  over  the  covering,  in  the  usual  manner,  (Law  of  the 
21st  of  April,  1818,  article  31.) 

Other  goods  shall  be  plurabed  with  only  one  plumb.  (26)  (Law 
of  the  17th  of  December,  1814,  article  5.)  , 

501.  It  is  allowable  to  unite  in  one  bale  two  sacks  or  bales  of 
merchandise  forwarded  in  transit.  When  united  by  a  cord,  the 
two  sacks  or  bales  may  be  weighed  together,  and,  instead  of  being 
plumbed  separately,  one  plumb  shall  suffice  for  the  two;  the  load 
they  then  make  shall  be  considered  as  one  package.  (27)  (Circular 
of  the  24th  of  July,  1836,  No.  1555.) 

Recognizance  and  custom-house  discharge. 

502.  Those  who  send  goods  in  transit  shall  enter  into  recogni- 
zances at  the  office  or  bureau  of  entry,  and  give  satisfactory  secu- 
rity that  the  goods  are  to  be  sent  out  of  the  kingdom,  which  they 
will  prove  by  presenting  the  custom-house  discharge  duly  certified 
at  the  office  of  issue,  under  the  penalties  of  the  law  as  mentioned 
in  article  54  of  the  8th  of  Florial,  year  11,  No.  510. 

The  custom  house  discharges  and  recognizances  shall  indicate 
the  office  of  issue,  and  shall  limit,  according  to  the  distance,  the 
time  in  which  the  goods  shall  be  transported  to  it  and  exported 
abroad.  (28)  To  this  delay  shall  be  added  twenty  days  as  the  time 
requisite  to  bring  back  the  cuEtom-house  discharge  acquitted.  (29) 
(Law  of  the  17th  of  December,  1814,  article  5.) 

Goods  that  are  not  susceptible  of  being  plumbed,  such  as  leather 
and  hides,  pig  lead,  mahogany,  and  dye  woods  in  logs,  are  examined 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


331 


and  entered  in  the  custom-house  discharge  by  the  piece,  weight 
and  value.  (30)  The  dimension  of  the  logs  of  mahogany  shall  like- 
wise be  stated.    (Law  of  the  17th  of -December,  1814,  article  7.) 

An  abstract  of  the  custom-house  discharge  shall  be  immediately 
forwarded  to  the  office  of  issue,  to  enable  the  officer  at  the  latter 
place  to  compare  it  with  the  original  and  to  ascertain  that  no  change 
has  been  made  in  the  latter.  (31)  (Circular  of  the  28th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1814.) 

Transit  duty. 

503.  The  duty  on  transit  goods  shall  be  uniformly  of  25  centimes 
per  100  kilogrammes,  gross  weight,  not  including,  however^  the 
second  covering-  or  of  15  centimes  per  100  francs,  at  the  option  of 
the  party  forwarding  the  goods,  (Law  of  the  9th  of  February, 
1832,  article  15.) 

Risk  of  the  transit . 

504.  The  transit  shall  be  entirely  at  the  -risk  of  the  owners  or 
forwarders  of  the  goods,  and  they  shall  not  be  exempted  from  the 
payment  of  the  duties  by  alleging  the  total  or  partial  loss  of  their 
merchandise;  only,  when  a  loss  is  certiiied  in  a  verbal  process,  and 
depositions  made  before  a  justice  of  the  peace  or  other  public  offi- 
cer, committed  to  writing  on  the  spot,  and  delivered  within  a  rea- 
sonable time  with  the  custom-house  discharge,  the  custom-house 
cannot  exact  more  than  the  duty  of  importation.  (32)  (Law  of  the 
17th  December,  1814,  article  8.) 

Damaged  goods. 

505.  Goods  forwarded  in  transit  shall  be  considered  as  in  good 
condition,  unless  their  owner  shall  have  made  known  the  amount 
or  degree  of  their  damage  and  stated  it  in  the  custom-house  dis- 
charge. (33)  In  default  of  this  formality,  goods  presented  at  the 
office  of  issue  in  a  damaged  condition  shall  lose  the  right  of  tran- 
sit. (34)  The  custom-house  discharge  may,  however,  be  discharged 
by  paying  immediately  at  this  office  import  duties  on  these  goods; 
"which  will  give  their  owners  the  right  to  dispose  of  them  in  the 
interior.  Damages  not  exceeding  2  per  100  ad  valorem  are  excepted 
from  this  rule.  (35)    (Law  of  the  17th  December,  1814,  article  9.) 

Certificate  to  the  custom-house  discharge. 

506.  The  conductor  of  goods  forwarded  in  transit  shall  present 
them  at  the  custom-house  office  of  the  second  line,  (36)  by  which 
he  shall  enter  on  the  territory  of  the  two  mysiameter  frontiers,  or  by 
which  he  shall  issue,  to  have  the  custom-house  discharge  certified 
after  it  h?^  been  ascertained  that  the  load  or  cargo  is  entire,  as  well 
as  the  coverings  of  the  packages,  the  ropes  and  the  plumbs. 


332 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


In  case  only  that  a  deficiency  or  alteration  is  discovered  in  the 
packages,  the  cords  or  plumbs,  the  custom-house  officers  may  then 
proceed  in  making  a  thorough* examination,  and  shall  ascertain  and 
state  the  deficiency  or  substitution  they  have  discovered. 

Should  the  conductor  not  fulfil  this  obligation,  or  should  he  pass 
the  office  without  requiring  and  obtaining  the  certificate  of  the  cus- 
tom-house, he,  as  well  as  the  subscriber  to  the  recognizance,  will 
be  liable  to  a  fine  of  500  francs.  (37)  (Law  of  the  9th  of  February, 
3832j  article  12.) 

Entry  for  home  consumption, 
(Mise  en  consommation.) 

507.  Goods  forwarded  in  transit  may  remain  in  the  kingdom  by 
paying  import  dues,  when,  after  an  examination  at  the  office  desig- 
nated by  the  custom-house  discharge,  they  shall  be  declared  for 
home  consumption,  and  when  they  are  of  a  nature  to  be  admissible 
by  paying  the  duty  on  them  at  this  same  office.  (Dec.  of  the  22d 
of  September,  1818.) 

Besides  the  certificate  prescribed  by  the  forementioned  article 
12 — the  custom-house  discharges  of  the  transit  being  considered  as 
permits  [pBssavans]  for  the  goods  to  pass  through  the  kingdom — 
may  also  be  certified  at  the  other  offices  along  the  route;  but  this 
latter  certificate  is  not  obligatory  on  the  custom-house  officers — 
they  may  require  to  affix  it  when  they  think  proper.  (Circular  of 
ihe  13th  of  February,  1832,  No.  1304.) 

In  this  case  the  transit  duty  will  be  repaid.  (38)  (Law  of  the 
17th  of  May,  article  13.) 

Warehousing  goods. 

508.  Goods  forwarded  in  transit  from  the  land  frontiers  to  those 
ports  where  real  warehouses  [entrepots  reels]  are  established,  may 
be  admitted  into  them  as  if  they  had  come  by  sea.  (39)  (Law  of 
the  17th  of  May,  1836,  article  13.) 

Examination  of  the  goods  when  going  out  of  transit. 

509.  The  overseers  of  the  office  of  issue  (40)  shall  not  grant  cer- 
tificates of  discharge  to  the  custom-house  discharges  of  transit  until 
after  a  careful  examination  of  the  condition  of  the  plumbs,  (41)  and 
also  as  to  the  species,  quality,  number  and  weight  of  the  goods.  (42) 
They  shall  moreover  require  that  the  goods  be  exporfed  out  of  the 
country  under  the  escort  of  the  overseers.  (43) 

The  discharge  will  not  be  legal  unless  the  examination,  the  trans- 
portation under  escort  and  the  exportation  (44)  have  all  been  cer- 
tified on  the  custom-house  discharge  by  the  examiners  and  the 
overseers  of  the  escort,  and  that  the  act  of  discharge  be  signed  by 
a  receiver  and  another  clerk.  (45)  (Law  of  the  17th  of  December, 
1814,  article  12.) 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


333 


510.  Should  the  goods  (46)  declared  in  transit  have  been  pur- 
loined, or  others  substituted,  the  quadruple  of  the  duties  of  con- 
sumption shall  be  charged,  and  A  fine  of  500  francs  be  inflicted  on 
the  offenders.  (Laws  of  the  8th  Florial,  year  11,  article  54,  and  of 
the  17th  December,  1814,  article  5.) 

The  articles  substituted  shall  be  seized  and  confiscated  and  a  fine 
of  from  100  to  500  francs  imposed,  according  to  whether  they  are 
oij^not  prohibited  to  exportation;  in  the  former  case  in  virtue  of 
article  9,  statute  3,  of  the  law  of  the  22d  of  August,  1791;  and  in 
the  second,  in  virtue  of  article  3,  statute  5,  of  the  same  law.  (47) 
(Circular  of  the  24th  of  January,  1828,  No.  1082.) 

511.  All  deficiencies  discovered  in  the  weight  of  the  boxes,  bales 
and  casks,  when  they  are  exported,  and  which  do  not  exceed  one- 
tenth  of  the  weight  stated  in  the  custom-house  discharge,  shall  only 
be  subjected  to  the  customary  duties.  (48)  (Law  of  the  17th  De- 
cember, 1814,  article  8.) 

Deficiencies  discovered  in  olive  oil  forwarded  in  transit  are  sub- 
ject to  import  duties.    (Law  of  the  17th  of  May,  1826,  article  12.) 

In  regard  to  liquors  or  liquids  admitted  to  transit,  the  deficien- 
cies discovered  on  exportation  to  be  occasioned  by  breakage  shall 
only  pay  im'port  duties;  or,  if  the  liquor  or  liquid  is  prohibited,  to 
the  payment  of  its  value,  (49.)  (Law  of  the  2d  of  July,  1836^ 
article  10.) 

Local  transits. 

512.  The  regulations  of  the  general  laws  are  applicable  to  the 
divers  local  and  special  transits  already  authorised  by  the  custom- 
house, or  which  may  hereafter  be  allowed.  (50.)  (Law  of  the  17th 
December,  1814,  article  14.) 

Forfeiture  of  the  right  of  transit. 

513.  Any  merchant  who  has  been  convicted  of  having,  by  means 
of  the  transit,  effected  subtractions,  substitutions,  or  smuggled 
goods,  may  forfeit  the  right  of  transit.  (Law  of  the  Sth  of  Florial, 
year  11,  article  83.)  • 


334 


Ex.  Doc  No.  57. 


MOTES 


TO 

Th€  foregoing  extracts.  * 

(1)  See  the  cata'lo^rue  at  the  end  of  this  book. 

In  virtue  of  article  4,  record  5,  of  the  law  of  the  22d  of  August,  1791,  goods  which  by  law 
do  not  enjoy  the  advantage  of  the  transit,  must,  whether  they  be  prohibited  or  not  for  home 
consampiionj  be  immediately  re-exported  to  a  foreign  country,  where,  having  been  pre- 
sented in  good  fuith  and  under  their  true  denomination,  they  are  declared  to  be  for  transit. 

(2)  See  the  nomenclature  of  these  ports,  No.  412. 

(3)  See  this  catalogue  at  the  end  of  this  book. 

(4)  It  is  the  same  catalogue,  No.  2.  referred  to  in  the  preceding  article.  The  king  has 
power  to  determine  which  bureaux  shall  be  open  to  transit,  (No.  96.) 

(5)  See  this  article,  (No.  280.) 

(6)  See  No.  509  for  the  forms  to  go  through  at  the  port  of  shipping, 

(7)  This  article,  reproduced  textually  at  No.  438.  permits,  in  reality,  transit  from  sea  to 
sea.  Therefore,  on  departing,  whether  the  merchandise  comes  from  the  ship  or  from  the 
warehouse,  which  is  c  .nsidered  in  the  same  light  as  a  foreign  country,  the  custom-house  re- 
ceives a  declaration  of  transit  and  delivers  a  custom-house  discharge,  according  to  whether 
the  merchandise  is  permitted  or  prohibited;  only  it  abstains  from  charging  the  transit  duty, 
from  which  these  sort  of  transactions  are  free.  Hence,  in  sea- ports  custom-house  discharges 
are  no  longer  used  in  changes  of  warehouse,  except  for  goods  withdrawn  from  one  ware* 
house  to  be  forwarded  to  another  in  the  interior.  At  the  port  where  the  vessel  arrives,  the 
transit  forms  are  the  same  as  if  the  goods  had  come  from  one  of  the  bureaux  on  the  land 
frontier. 

(8)  Transit  goods  must  be  conveyed  directly  through  the  interior  to  the  bureau  designa- 
ted for  the  exportation.  Water  carriage  by  sea  is  forbidden  in  the  most  absolute  manner. 
If,  notwithstanding  this  prohibition,  the  goods  were  presented  at  a  port  of  entry  accompa- 
nied by  a  coasting  manifest,  and  plumbed  with  the  stamp  peculiar  to  the  transit  service,  the 
custom-house  still  retain  them  until  the  custom-house  discharae  of  transit  is  presented, 
whose  existence  must,  in  such  cases,  be  presumed.  It  will  then  proceed  to  a  complete  veri- 
fication of  the  cargo;  and,  after  having  corrected  the  custom-house  discharge  according  as 
will  be  found  necessary,  it  will  issue  a  new  one,  the  same  as  if  the  goods  had  just  arrived 
from  a  foreign  country,  i 

(9)  See  in  book  VI  ,  Nos.  457,  and  sequel. 

(10)  In  the  land  offices,  the  transit  must  be  effected  immediately.  However,  declarations 
of  transit  being  regulated  by  the  general  law,  it  follows  that  the  goods  which  might  in  cer- 
tain cases  be  detained,  continue  to  have  the  right  of  transit  as  long  as  the  deposit  in  custota. 
house. 

(11)  Or  fictitious. 

(12)  See,  for  the  declaration  and  examination  of  goods  not  liable  to  be  plumbed,  ^'o.  505* 

(13)  See,  for  the  general  laws  relative  to  declarations,  (or  aflSdavits,)  book  II.,  chap.  11. 
According  to  these  regulations,  goods  on  which  the  duty  is  ad  valorem  are  entitled  to  pre- 
emption.   (A.  of  C.  ol  the-  30ih  of  August,  1836;  circular  No.  1,574.) 

(11)  It  IS  to  be  understood  that  this  arrangement  does  noi  prevent  the  cu.stont-house  oCR.- 
cera  from  proceeding  to  a  complete  examination.    It  is  even  their  duty  to  act  thus  whenever 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


335 


the  first  packages  examined, 'on  entry,  show  a  considerable  discrepancy  with  the  declaration, 
or  causes  it  to  be  apprehended  that  there  is  an  attenopt  at  fraud;  and,  on  issue,  whenever  the 
deficit  discovered  in  the  fil  th  of  the  cases,  bales  and  packages  examined,  exceeds  that  which 
might  reasonably  be  attributed  to  desiccation  of  the  goods  in  course  of  transportation,  or  to 
the  slight  difiertnces  of  results  that  are  sometimes  inevitable  in  using  different  instruments. 

This  mode  of  examination  inaplies  the  necessity  of  remitting  separately,  for  each  package- 
the  weight,  the  contents,  and  other  information  required  by  law.  (Circular  of  the  28th  Sep, 
tember,  1839,  No.  1,776.) 

The  right  to  examine  only  one-fifth  or  the  packages  is  applicable  equally  to  all  the  opera- 
tions that  constitute  the  examination;  that  is  to  say,  to  the  weighing  of  the  packages,  as 
well  as  to  the  examination  of  iheir  contents.    (Circular  of  thew28ih  November,  1840.) 

It  is  desirable  to  se«,  as  to  what  relates  to  examinations,  the  general  rules  set  forth  in 
book  II.,  chapter  6. 

If  the  examination  should  lead  to  the  discovery  of  an  excess  of  weight  to  what  is  set  forth 
in  the  declaiation,  and  should  this  excess  be  upwards  of  one-twentieth  for  metals,  or  one-tenth 
for  other  goods,  it  is  immediately  subjected  to  the  payment  of  duty  by  way  of  a  fine;  after 
which  the  excess,  as  well  as  the  quantities  declared,  are  forwarded  in  transit  under  similar 
conditions.    (Law  of  the  22d  August,  1791.) 

(15)  This  precaution  must  be  taken  as  frequently  as  possible  without  subjecting  commerce 
to  loo  much  inconvenience;  more  particularly  when  there  is  reason  to  presume  that  there  is 
too  great  disproportion  between  the  legal  tare  and  the  actual  tare;  in  this  case  the  net 
weight  is  mentioned  or  stated  on  the  custom-house  discharge. 

But  the  interested  parties  are  only  obliged  to  declare  the  gross  weight;  they  are  not 
obliged  to  state  the  net  weight,  either  real  or  legal,  of  unprohibited  goods.  (Dec.  adm.  of 
the  3l8t  January,  1834.) 

(16)  The  forwarding  party  who  is  desirous  of  enjoying  this  right,  must  state  it  in  his  affi- 
davit, and  also  the  value  of  his  goods;  then  the  examination,  plumbing  and  forwarding  are 
proceeded  with  under  the  forms  and  conditions  prescribed  in  articles  5,  6,  7  and  8,  of  the  law 
of  the  9th  of  February,  1832.  Thus,  though  non-prohibited  goods  are  in  question 
the  penalties  incurred  in  case  of  abuse  or  fraud  are  not  those  stated  in  the  law  of  the  l7th 
December,  1814,  for  the  latter  presumes  a  thorough  investigation,  which  does  not  take  place 
in  these  sort  of  transactions.  The  value  of  the  goods  is  taken  as  a  basis  for  the  price;  this 
value  may  always  be  estimated  by  the  officers,  either  by  examination  of  the  goods,  or  else  by 
means  of  the  invoices,  which  the  law  of  ihe»4th  Germinal,  year  2,  statute  6,  article  5,  au- 
thorizes them  to  enforce  the  exhibition;  and  in  every  case,  should  they  consider  it  insufficient 
or  incorrect,  they  may,  by  the  article  4,  of  the  law  of  the  9th  of  February,  1832,  issue  from 
the  office  a  more  correct  one. 

As  regards  threads  and  tissues  of  linen  forwarded  in  pressed  packages,  as  the  verifications 
of  the  number  of  threads  for  the  tissues,  and  for  the  threads  the  number  of  metres  to  the 
kilogramme,  would  require  the  rupture  of  the  fastenings  by  which  the  merchandise  is  held' 
and  compressed,  it  will  be  sufficient  that  the  declarations  should  express,  independently  of 
the  weight  and  value,  the  number  and  the  measure  of  the  pieces  of  tissues;  if  they  are  plain 
plaided,  worked  or  damasked;  if  the  threads  are  flat  or  twisted;  and  if  they  (both  tissues 
and  threads)  are  unbleached,  bleached  or  dyed.    (Dec.  adm.  of  the  9th  July,  1841.) 

(17)  See  the  table  at  the  end  of  this  book. 

(18)  That  has  not  yet  been  done. 

(19)  See  at  the  end  of  this  book  the  nomenclature  of  those  goods  which  it  is  necessary  to 
accompany  with  samples. 

(20)  The  samples  may  be  taken  from  each  piece  before  it  is  packed  by  the  consigwer  from 
abroad.  These  latter  must  fix  them  on  a  card  or  book,  indicating  by  number  from  what 
piece  it  has  been  taken,  in  such  a  manner  th  it  all  that  will  be  required  for  the  custom-house 
officer  to  do  will  be  to  pseertain  the  conlbrmity  of  the  piece  to  the  samples. 

This  mode  of  tiiking  a  sample  of  each  piece  is  preferable  to  every  oiher,  not  only  to  the 
custom  house,  but  to  commerce  likewise;  lor  it  is  rare  that  several  pieces  of  the  same  tissue 
offer  a  perfect  rtsemblanoe  together;  and  it  is  only  where  the  sample  has  been  taken  frona 
the  same  piece  with  which  it  is  compared,  that  difficulties,  resulting  from  a  slight  dissimilari- 
ty, can  be  prevented. 

However,  the  custom-house  only  exacts  one  sample  for  all  pieces  which,  in  its  esfimation, 
oflers  no  difference,  either  in  the  quality  of  ihe  tissue  or  in  the  pattern.  On  it  must  be  in- 
scribed, as  just  stated,  the  numbrrs  of  the  pieces  with  which  it  is  to  be  compared. 

But  when,  alihongh  perfectly  sianlajr  iu  quality,  the  pieces  are  differeot  in  regard  to  their 


336 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


attcrns,  or,  being  of  tbc  same  pattern,  their  tissues  diiler  in  quality,  a  sample  must  alwayi 

e  taken  from  each  of  them. 
In  order  not  to  damage  or  injure  the  goods,  the  samples  need  not  be  of  greater  breadth 
than  6  a  7  ceniimetres,  even  when  they  are  taken  from  embroidered  tissues,  whatever  may 
be  the  size  of  the  pattern.  If  the  embroidery  is  so  extensive  that  a  sample  of  this  size  can- 
not include  any  portion  of  it,  it  is  taken  from  the  ground  of  the  stuff,  at  the  same  time  making 
a  note  of  the  existence  of  the  embroidery,  with  some  description  of  its  distinctive  characteris- 
tics.   (Circular  of  the  13th  February,  1832,  No.  1,304.) 

When  the  samples  are  of  a  less  size  than  6  o  7  centimetres,  they  may  be  received,  provi- 
ded that  they  are  sufTicient  to  indicate  their  identity  with  the  pieces  to  which  they  pertain. 
In  all  cases  the  comparison  only  takes  place  with  packages  subject  to  be  examined.  (Cir- 
cular of  the  28th  September,' 1839,  No.  1,776.) 

Tissues  are  not  to  be  represenled  by  samples  except  when  they  are  in  the  piece,  by  which 
is  understood  only  those  without  division  which  are  sold  by  the  oil,  and  not  handkerchiefs, 
cravats,  &c.  Wiih  respect  to  the  latter,  it  is  necessary  to  give  a  more  minute  description 
instead  of  a  sample;  and  when  it  relates  to  valuable  stuflfs,  whose  fraudulent  entrv  is  the 
most  to  be  apprehended — the  cashmere  of  India,  for  instance — the  fullest  description  must 
be  given  that  they  may  be  recognized. 

Thus,  in  such  a  case,  the  custom-house  discharge  must  express,  independently  of  the 
dimensions  of  shawls  or  scarfs,  both  in  length  and  in  breadth,  the  color  of  the  ground,  the 
nature  and  arrangement  of  its  ornaments,  such  as  single  borders,  flowers,  bouquets,  rosettes, 
palms,  &c.,  with  or  without  borders.    (Circular  of  the  13th  February,  1832,  No.  1,304.) 

(21)  The  boxes  that  are  intended  to  hold  the  samples  must  always  be  square,  and  each 
side  must  be  made  of  a  single  piece.  The  samples  are  placed  in  it,  after  having  been  care- 
fully put  up  in  a  package,  and  sealed  with  the  seal  of  the  custom-house.  The  box  is  then 
plumbed,  for  which  purpose  it  is  pierced  in  such  a  manner  that  the  cord  passes  through  its 
angles;  that  is,  through  the  two  pannels  which  meet  at  the  edge  of  the  box.  (Circular  of 
the  22d  March,  1832,'No.  1,312.) 

This  operation  shall  be  done  in  the  presence  of  the  examiners.    (Circular  No.  1,304.) 

The  samples  are  given  to  the  conductor  separately,  it  not  being  allowed  to  place  them  in 
the  same  package  with  the  goods.    (Dec.  atlm.  of  the  28th  November,  1837.) 

The  boxes  containing  samples,  whatever  the  nature  of  the  merchandise  may  be,  shall  be 
plumbed  but  once  only.    (Dec.  adm.  of  the  21st  March,  1834.) 

(22)  When  the  packages  and  their  plumbs  are  in  good  condition,  and  the  merchandise  cor- 
responds in  every  respect  with  the  manifest,  the  loss  of  the  sample  must  not  be  an  obstacle  to 
the  completion  of  the  transit.  The  custom-house  shall  then  take  new  samples,  (No.  2C9,) 
and  shall  require  good  recognizances,  to  secure  itself  in  case  of  any  fraudulent  change  being 
subsequently  discovered  by  legal  means.  For  this  purpose,  the  new  samples  are  addressed 
to  the  adminisiration,  post  paid,  and  are  submitted  to  the  examination  of  experienced  per- 
sons commissioned  by  the  government.  Simple  sumples,  fastened  on  cards,  will  sulBce  if  they 
Site  fancy  goods;  but  as  regards  plain  goods,  an  entire  piece,  chosen  by  the  custom-house, 
must  always  be  deducted  as  a  sample.  After  this  examini>tion,  this  piece  is  sent  back  to 
the  bureau  of  issue,  and  the  expenses  of  this  transportation,  as  well  as  those  of  sending  it  to 
Paris,  are  defrayed  by  the  owner  or  consignee  of  the  merchandise.  (Circular  manuscript  of 
the  18th  January,  1837.) 

(23)  The  minister  of  finance  has  decided,  the  3d  of  August,  1839,  that  the  effect  of  the 
article  13,  of  the  law  of  the  9lh  of  February,  1832,  should  be  temporarily  suspended,  with 
the  understanding  that  it  shall  be  again  put  in  force  if  experience  should  show  its  necessity. 
Thus,  commerce  has  the  right  to  unite  in  one  package  merchandise  of  different  kinds  and 
qualities,  whether  they  be  prohibited  or  not,  or  whether  they  pertain  to  one  or  the  other  cate- 
gory. Only  when  there  is  in  the  same  package  dutiable  articles  and  prohibited  articles,  the 
whole  are  forwarded  under  the  regulations,  formalities  and  general  conditions  applicable  to 
prohibited  articles.  The  quittance  specify  the  different  kinds  and  qualities  of  merchandise 
of  which  the  consignment  is  composed,  and  indicate  with  exactness  the  quantity  of  each 
kind  of  merchandise  united  in  the  same  package.  (Circular  of  the  lOih  of  August,  1839,  No. 
1,762.    Dec.  adm.  of  the  15th  July,  1841.) 

In  regard  to  the  transit  of  dutiable  and  prohibited  articles  in  the  same  package,  false  affi- 
davits at  the  bureau  of  entry  will  give  cause  to  the  application  of  the  article  4,  of  the  law  of 
the  9th  of  February,  1832,  (No.  516,)  only  when  the  discrepancies  bear  on  the  prohibited 
goods.  At  the  bureau  of  issue,  on  the  contrary,  the  recognized  differences',  whatever  may 
be  the  nature  of  the  merchandise,  always  incur  the  penalties  of  the  laws  in  relation  to  pro- 
hibited articles,  keoause  the  forwarding  party  has  engaged  himself  to  undergo, /or  the  whole, 
the  conditions  of  these  laws.    (Dec.  adra.  of  the  19th  of  August,  1841.) 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


337 


(24)  The  articles  of  manufacture  that  are  subject  to  be  plumbed  in  the  manner  prescribed 
in  the  above  article,  are  those  designated  in  catalotrus  A,  annexed  to  the  ordinance  of  the 
llth  of  February,  1832.    (Dec.  adrn.  of  the  29th  of  November,  1838.) 

Vide  this  catalogue  at  the  end  of  this  book. 

Vide,  for  liquids  and  transitable  fluids,  article  10,  of  the  law  of  the  2d  of  July,  1336/. in- 
eluded  in  table  No.  1,  annexed  to  this  book. 

(25)  To  complete  the  security  of  tiiis  first  plumbing,  it  is  wrapped  in  paper  and  sealed 
With  the  signet  of  the  custom-house,  wherever  there  is  a  possibility  of  an  article  being  ab- 
stracted. It  is  also  requisite  to  wrap  the  Urst  plumb  in  a  paper,  which  is  then  sealed  to  the 
package.  These  precautions  are  practicable  by  means  of  the  covering  which  wraps  up  the 
whole.    (Circular  of  the  5th  of  May,  1818,  No.  390.) 

To  pack,  signifies  to  wrap  up,  to  bind,  to  cover  on  every  side.  It  is,  therefore,  requisite 
that  the  first  as  well  as  the  second  wrapper  should  wrap  up  and  cover  completely  the  mer- 
chandise; simple  s/rtjy5  of  linen  strapped  across  cannot  be  considered  as  wrappers.  (Dee* 
adm.  of  the  3d  of  March,  1839.) 

It  is  expressly  recommended  to  pierce  holes  in  the  angles  of  the  packages,  and  to  pass 
through  them  the  string  of  the  plumb.  The  importance  of  plumbing  is  such  that  all  these 
precautions  must  be  attended  to  with  the  greatest  care,  and  the  whole  operation  must  be 
performed  with  the  most  rigorous  attention.    (Circular  of  the  22d  March,  1832,  No.  1,312.) 

(26)  For  the  price  of  the  plumbs,  and  for  the  general  rules  on  the  subject,  vide  No.  216. 
And  for  goods  not  susceptible  of  being  plumbed,  see  article  7,  of  the  law  of  the  l7th  of  De- 
cember, 1814,  No.  502. 

(27)  Thus,  a  load  of  goods  that  by  law  was  liable  to  double  plumbs,  only  receives  two 
plumbs  instead  of  three,  as  was  often  done.    (Circular  No.  1,555.) 

(28)  The  delay  is  regulated  according  to  distances,  at  the  rate  of  one  day  per  two  mysia- 
metres  and  a  half;  and  this  rate  is  increased  whenever  it  is  known  that  there  exist  unavoid- 
able  delays  in  the  interior  navigation  or  transportation.  (Circular  of  the  20tb  of  December 
IS14) 

Howpver,  whenever  the  causes  of  the  delay  are  satisfactorily  accounted  for,  the  chief  of 
the  ofl[ice  of  issue  may,  notwithstanding  the  expiration  of  the  period  fixed  in  the  custom- 
house discharge,  permit  the  immediate  consummation  of  the  transit;  he  must  then  account 
to  his  snpeiior  for  the  .motives  whicn  influenced  his  decision.  (Circular  of  the  24th  of  Julv, 
1836,  No.  1,555.) 

(29)  The  custom-hor.se  discharge  make  known,  first,  the  origin  of  the  merchandise;  second, 
under  what  flag  imported;  third,  if  it  is  taken  out  of  warehouse,  the  first  office  of  entry,  also 
the  date  of  its  entry  on  the  register;  fourth,  if,  in  consequence  of  it.s  mode  of  importation, 
or  the  coiintry  h-vwi  whence  iniporied,  it  is  or  is  not  entitled  to  a  reduction  of  duty;  fifth, 
whether  by  virtue  of  the  treaty  with  England  cf  the  26th  of  July,  1826,  it  is  prohibited  to 
home  consnmpiion.    (Circular  of  the  6th  of  March,  1824,  No.  856.) 

Besides  stating  under  which  denomination  of  tarilFthe  goods  come,  they  must  insert  at  the 
office,  on  the  custom-house  discharge,  all  particulars  which  will  facilitate  the  reoosnition  of 
the  merchandise.    (Dec.  adm.  of  the  27th  of  March,  1832.) 

(30)  Unmanufactured  sulphur  may  be  forwarded  in  vrac,  accompanying  it,  however, 
vviin  a  plumbed  sample  (Dec.  minibt.  of  the  10th  of  July,  1832;  circular  manu^cr'pt  of  the 
16th  of  the  same  month.) 

(31)  The  forwarding  of  abstracts  in  regard  to  custom-house  discharge,  must  be  through 
the  administration.    (Circular  of  the  19ih  of  January,  182^,  No.  1,139.) 

It  is,  however,  allowed  to  the  receivers  to  address  th^se  abstracts  directly  to  the  office  for 
which  they  are  destined,  when  the  situation  of  this  office  or  the  facilities  of  transportation  are 
such  as  to  render  it  likely  that  the  abstracts  would  reach  iheir  address  too  late  by  passing 
through  Paris.  But  in  this  case,  a  duplicate  is  sent  to  the  administration.  (Circular  of  the 
3l8t  May,  1832,  No.  1,322  ) 

The  mstiling  of  the  abstract  must  bo  done  the  same  day  that  the  custom-house  discharge  is 
delivered.    (  ircularof  the  28th  of  December,  1814.) 

Should  the  abstract  not  reach  the  office  of  issue  before  the  original  manifest  is  presented, 
it  must  not  be  made  an  obstacle  to  the  consummation  of  the  tran.-^it,  or  to  the  admission  of 
the  merchandise  in  the  warehou.se,  only  the  custom-house  disch.irge  is  not«to  receive  the 
certificate  of  discharge  until  it  has  been  compared  with  the  abstract.  (Dee.  adm  of  the 
lOlh  of  September,  1833.) 

Vide,  for  the  franking  of  the  correspondence,  book  X,,  chapter  29. 


22 


338 


Ex.  Doc  No.  57. 


(32)  The  principle  of  the  responsi'>ility^  of  ihe  owners  has  been  Catabli-^hed  by  a  decision 
of  the  court  of  repeal  of  the  17th  of  March,  1S35,  which  decided,  moreover,  that  it  is  always 
bv  the  olViee  from  whence  the  <Toods  were  despatched  that  legal  proceedings  must  come. 
(Circular  of  the  25th  May.  I83i,  No.  1,487.) 

No  nihiiiiMls  have  power,  even  when  the  loss  is  legally  certified,  to  exempt  the  owners 
from  the  pavmrnt  of  the  duties  of  entry.  (Act  of  Congress  of  the  21ht  of  January,  1839;  cir- 
cular  No.  1,744.) 

The  fir.<.t  paragraph  of  the  4th  article  of  the  law  of  the  9th  of  February,  1S32,  (No.  516,) 
that  the  8ih  article  of  the  law^  of  the  I7ih  of  December,  1814,  is  equally  applicable  to  pro- 
hibited good>;  only,  instead  of  exacting  the  duty  in  case  of  certified  loss,  the  custom-house 
shall  claim  the  value  only  of  the  lost  article.    (Dec.  adra.  of  the  1 1th  of  March,  1839.) 

(33)  Goods  are  not  acknowledged  as  damaged  unless  the  damage  has  been  really  ascer- 
iained  by  the  officers  ol  the  cusiom-housc,  and  valued  by  a  board  of  examiners  in  the  usual 
manner,  to  wit: 

1st.  The  examination  must  be  expressly  demanded  by  the  forwarding  party,  who  is  inter- 
ested in  obiaining  it,  and  who  must  beforehand  make  a  declaraiion  of  the  existence  of  the 
damage,  and  to  what  amount. 

2d.  The  examination  bhall  be  made  by  two  experienced  persons,  appointed,  one  by  the 
castom-house  and  the  other  by  the  forwardmg  party j  and  in  case  of  med,  ihei  casting  vote 
shall  be  given  by  a  third  experienced  person,  (expert.)  appointed  by  the  tribunal  of  com- 
merce, designated  in  anicle  3,  statute  8,  of  the  law  of  the  22d  of  August,  1791,  for  an  anala- 
gous  case. 

3d.  The  permanent  under  inspector  and  the  examiner  designated  shall  assist  at  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  board  of  examiners,  without  the  right  of  giving  an  opinion,  but  as  supervi- 
sors, a^d  to  be  able  to  testify  to  the  administration  as  to  regularity  of  the  proceedings. 

4th.  Saould  the  decision  o'(  the  board  considerably  reduce — .say  more  than  one-tenth — the 
amount  of  damage  stated  by  the  owner  of  the  property,  it  is  proof  of  an  attempt  to  defraud 
the  revenue,  which  must  be  duly  slated,  in  order  to  institute  legal  proceedings. 

.5th.  The  result  of  the  examination  must  be  inserted  in  the  custom-house  discharge,  as 
well  as  in  tiie  abstract,    (Circular  of  the  i8th  of  July,  1828,  No.  1,111.) 

(34)  Should  damaged  goods  be  presented  at  the  office  of  issue  without  any  mention  being 
made  of  the  damage  on  the  custom-house  discharge,  the  officers  must  first  endeavor  to  dis- 
<;ovcr  the  origin  of  the  damage,  and  then  to  examine  with  great  care  whether  it  could  have 
occurred  duang  the  transit,  if,  after  this  examination,  they  are  perfectly  convinced  that 
the  goods  are  the  same  from  the  office  of  departure,  (bureau  de  depart,)  they  will  then  limit 
themselves  to  exactly  the  duty  of  entry  only.  But  should  ciicum.-tances  and  the  character 
of  the  dctmage  lead  them  to  believe  that  there  has  been  cirected  a  substitution  of  other  goods, 
the  fraud  must  then  be  certified  and  prosecuted.    (Dec.  adm.  of  the  11th  of  October,  1832  ) 

(35)  Article  '»  of  the  law  of  the  17ih  of  December,  1814,  is  applicable  to  prohibited  goods, 
in  virt'je  of  article  4  of  the  law  of  the  9th  of  February,  1832;  but  its  application  never  takes 
place  in  any  case  without  the  spcciaMnstructions  of  the  administration.  (Dec.  adm.  of  the 
16th  of  September,  1839.) 

(36)  The  custom-house  discharge  must  not  designate  this  office;  it  is  sufficient  that  the 
eonducror  should  present  himself  at  an  office  of  the  second  line  situated  on  the  road  he  is 
travelling.    (Dee.  adm.  of  the  22d  of  May,  1839.) 

Should  the  adiain!.-5tration  have  authorized  the  issue  of  the  merchandise  by  another  point 
than  tlKit  indicated  on  the  custom-house  discharge,  the  receiver  at  the  office  of  the 
.second  line  must  not  refuse  to  recognize  the  identity  of  the  cargo  or  load,  and  to  affix  his  cer- 
tificate to  the  custom-house  discharge,  when  the  conductor  dbes  net  happen  to  bo  on  the  road 
which  leads  to  the  point  of  issue  from  the  kingdom  indicated  on  the  manifest.  (Dec.  adm.  of 
the  29tb  of  September,  1341  ) 

The  delay  in  receiving  the  custom-house  discharge  is  not  sufficient  cause  to  refuse  the  cer- 
tificate prcscvibed  by  article  12  of  the  law  of  the  9th  of  February,  1832.  (Dec.  adm.  of  the 
16th  of  November,  184  I  ) 

All  the  goo'ls  comprised  in  one  custom-liouse  discharge  must  be  presented  together.  (Dec. 
adm.  of  the  1st  of  September,  1841.) 

(37)  VVh^n  a  custom-house  discharge  has  not  been  certitied  (vize)  at  an  office  of  the 
.second  line,  this  omission  is  not  vcritied  by  process  verbal,  (proces  verbal,)  and  no  direct  ac- 
tion is  brought  against  the  conductor;  only  the  clerk  shall  insert  in  the  certificate  of  dis- 
charge the  following  set  fonri:  Under  reservation  of  all  iJu  righti  of  the  administration  re- 
*iLltin^  from  the  ommon  of  thi  cei  tificaie  to  the  present  custom  house  discharge  at  the  office 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  57. 


339 


of  the  second  line.  This  custom-house  discharo-e  is  then  sent  in  the  usual  manner  to  the  ofSce 
of  departure,  when  proceeding's  are  instituted,  in  virtue  of  the  reco*^nizance,  ajiainst  the  for 
wardinji  merchant  and  his  security,  to  enforce  the  payment  of  the  500  francs,  though  the 
merchant  may  brinifr  an  action  agHirist  the  conductor  of  the  goods.  (Circular  of  ihe  23d  o 
March  and  9lh  of  August,  1832.  Nos.  ],313  and  J,338  ) 

When  the  clerks  of  the  office  of  issue  notice  that  the  custom-house  di.scharge  is  not  certified, 
they  inform  the  consignee  of  the  fact,  and  the  latter,  being  duly  informed,  may  bring  an  ac- 

(  tion  against  the  carrier.    .(Circular  of  the  15th  of  December,  1832,  No.  1,361. 

'  The  certificate  of  the  custom-house  discharge  must  always  be  signed  by  two  persons,- 
therefore,  in  tho.se  offices  where  there  is  no  other  officer  than  the  receiver,  it  will  be  required 
to  have,  in  addition  to  his  own,  the  signature  of  the  brigadier,  of  the  under  brigadier,  or  of  an 
overseer  of  the  brigade. 

(38)  The  receiver  of  the  custom-house  where  the  goods  are  entered  for  consumption  gives 
credit  for  the  import  duties,  and  reimburses,  by  a  separate -and  distinct  operation,  the  transit 
duty,  which  he  charges  immediately  to  the  treasury,  without  it  being  required  of  him  to  ask 
authority  beforehand  for  the  reimbursement,  nor  to  furnish  arlv  other  voucher  than  the  receipt 
of  the  creditor.    (Circular  of  the  l7thof  June,  1834,  No.  1,444.) 

(39)  Vide  the  complete  text  of  this  article  at  No.  417. 

(40)  The  custom  house  of  issue  is  the  one  indicated  on  the  custom-house  discharge.  It  is 
expressly  forbidden  to  the  clerks  of  all  other  offices,  under  penalty  of  immediate  removal,  to 
deliver  certificates  of  discharge,  unless  the  administration  shouhl  have  granted  a  particular 
permission  to  chanoe  the  office  of  issue  or  (  f  destination.  (Circulars  of  the  7th  of  May,  1815, 
No.  21,  and  of  the  loth  of  February,  1832,  No.  1,304.) 

(41)  The  cord  of  the  outside  plumb  may  break  by  accidentj  but  when  the  ijiside  plumb  is 
also  broken,  it  is  to  be  presumed  that  there  has^  been  tampering  with  or  substitution  of  the 
goods.  Should  the  officers,  in  this  case,  have  any  doubt  as  to  the  oritjin  of  the  goods,  the 
transit  is  suspenaed,  and  a  double  sample  is  forwarded  to  the  administration,  to  be  submitted 
to  the  government  board  of  examiners.    (Dec.  adm.  of  the  12th  of  June,  1826.) 

The  completioniof  the  (ransit  may,  however,  be  permitted  under  th^  same  cojiditions 
which  are  particularly  applicable  to  lost  samples.    (No.  497  ) 

(42)  The  examination  takes  place  on  the  receipt  of  the  custom  house  discharge,  and  the 
re-exportation  is  consummated  in  virtue  of  the  engagements  subscribed  to  at  the  custom- 
house of  departure ;  only  it  is  required  by  the  consignee,^  at  sea-ports,  that  he  should  state 
by  what  vessel  and  to  what  country  the  goods  are  to  be  exported.  (Circular  of  the  11th  of 
March,  1846,  No.  1,534.) 

All  the  goods  comprised  in  the  same  custom-house  discharge  must  be  presented  together  at 
the  office  of  issue.    (Dec.  adm.  of  the  1st  of  September,  1841.) 

(43)  This  removal  or  transportation  must  be  made  by  the  direct  route,  and  by  day.  (Cir- 
cular  of  the  20th  of  Decemb.-r,  1814.) 

All  the  facilities  relative  to  the  smuggling  trade  are  absolutely  forbidden  to  the  manifests 
of  transit.    (Circular  manuscript  of  the  19th  of  January,  1838  ) 

(44)  At  seaports,  the  custom-house  discharge  stands  in  lieu  of  a  shipping  permit;  and  it 
is  on  this  document  that  the  overseers,  appointed  for  this  purpose,  certify  to  the  embarcation 
of  the  goods,  as  well  as  to  their  finul  departure  on  the  high  sea.  (Circular  of  the  11th  of 
March,  I83G,  :so.  1,534  ) 

(45)  Vide,  for  the  security  to  certificates  of  discharge.  No.  207;  and  for  the  mode  of 
examination,  No.  493.    See  also  No.  216,  for  the  plumbing  at  the  offices  of  issue  which  are  • 
not  immediately  on  a  foreign  frontier. 

(46)  Should  there  be  any  purloining,  with  or  without  substitution,  the  fraud,  however  trifling 
it  may  be,  is  stated  in  a  verbal  {jrocess.    A  copy  of  this  act  and  the  custom-house  discharge 

^  are  forwarded  to  the  administration  under  the  transit  stamp.  Ir  is  for  the  office  of  departure 
to  prosecute.    ((  ircular  of  the  10th  of  October,  1832,  No.  l.Sil  ) 

The  replacing  of  an  article  of  merchandise  abstracted,  by  another  of  the  same  nature  and 
liable  to  the  same  duty,  is  as  liable  to  penalty  as  any  other  substitution.  (Dec.  adm.  of  the 
17th  of  June,  1829.) 

Vide  No.  505  for  the  damaged  merchandise. 
^  In  order  to  furnish  the  parties  forwarding  and  the  consignees  with  the  means  of  prosecu- 
ting the  carriers,  the  clerks  of  tlse  office  of  issue  inscribe  and  certify  on  the  way  bills,  which 
they  have  a  right  to  examine,  the  result  of  their  examination,  whenever  they  are  of  a  nature  to 


340 


Ex.  Doc.  No,  57. 


he  prosecntcd  at  the  otF.ce  of  dpparture.  (Circular  of  llie  25lh  of  Soptembcr,  1829^  No 
1,IS1.) 

(47)  By  til"  fprnis  of  article  9,  statute  3,  of  the  law  nf  the  22d  of  Aujjust,  1791,  and  of  the 
article  54  of  the  la\v-  of  ihe  8th  Florial,  year  11,  goods  presented  at  the  office  of  issue  are 
liable  to  seizure  if  thry  aro  not  identically  ihe  same  as  ihose  described  on  the  custom-house, 
disc'iiarire.    (A.  of  C'  of  ihe  19th  of  November,  1834.) 

Tt  occurred,  for  in.>-tance,  that  twelve  boxes  of  crushed  sugar  were  forwarded  in  transit.  If, 
was  sratcd  on  the  custom-house  di.«eharge  that  the  sugar  was  white;  when  it  reached  its 
destination  it  was  discovered  that  the  sugar  was  brown.  The  custom-house  made  an  attach- 
ment.. The  fust  board  assembled  to  judge  the  case  granted  a  replevy,  as  the  statement  that 
the  siifrar  was  white  being  superabundant,  evinced  no  fraudulent  designj  that  the  species  and 
quality  were  alone  to  be  stated,  accoiding  to  the  rules  of  ihe  taritr,  to  make  the  declaration 
valid;  and  that  the  requirements  of  the  law  were  fulfilled  by  stating  the  sugar  to  be  crushed. 
But  the  court  of  repeal  has  decided  that  the  recognizance  signed  by  the  interested  party,  and 
the  custom-house  discharge  delivered  to  him  in  consequence,  are  correlative  documents, 
-which  being  legally  binding  on  the  administration,  and  that  it  cannot  withdraw  itself  from 
its  responsibility.  "(Circular  of  the  21st  of  December,  1834.) 

(48)  Or  if  the  articles  are  prohibited,  their  simple  value.  (Dec.  adm.  of  the  11th  of 
March,  1839.) 

The  payment  of  the  duty,  or  the  value,  is  made  at  the  office  of  departure,  in  consequence 
of  the  recognizance  entered  into  there.  But  the  administration  has  the  right  to  remit  the 
duty  where  tb.e  deficit  does  not  amount  to  much,  and  that  ir,  is  occasioned  by  the  naiural  de- 
siccation occurring  during  the  transportation,  and  particularly  in  certain  seasons.  (Circular 
of  the  lOih  of  March,  J818,  No.  373.) 

The  proportion  of  the  deiiciency  is  ascertained  by  v/eighin^  each  package  separately. 
(Same  circular.) 

Deficiencies  that  are  evidently  not  owing  to  any  fraudulent  intentions,  arc  simply  entered 
on  the  custom-house  discharge  and  on  the  act  of  discharge.  But  when  there  has  been  any 
subtraction,  even  when  less  than  one-tenth,  it  must  be  verified  by  a  process  verbal,  and  will 
render  liable  the  application  of  the  piins  and  penalties  predicated  in  article  5  of  the  law  of 
the  17'.h  of  Deeen.ber,  1814,  or  in  article  6  of  the  law  of  the  9th  of  February.  1832,  accord- 
ing to  whether  the  articles  in  question  are  dutiable  or  prohibited.  (Circulars  of  the  16th  of 
May,  1818,  No.  396,  or  of  the  lOth  of  October,  1832,  No.  1,351.) 

(49)  Vjde,  in  table  No.  1,  the  enumeration  of  transi table  li(iuids. 

Should  the  deficiencies  in  oil  or  in  other  liquids  be  discovered  to  be  owing  to  illicit  subtrac- 
tions efleeted  in  the  course  of  their  transportation,  the  pains  and  penalties  predi -ated  in  the 
general  laws  become  applicable.    (Circular  of  the  24ih  of  July,  1836,  JNo.  1,555.) 

(50)  The  transit  of  slates  is  authoiized  through  the  rivei'  offices  St.  Menges  and  Givet, 
{Jrdcnnes  )    (Law  of  the  2d  of  July,  1836,  article  10.) 

Each  of  these  offices  have  the  right  to  tranjrmit  in  transit  to  one  of  the  two  others,  slates 
for  tran^it.    (Dec.  adm.  of  the  12th  of  November,  1835  ) 

It  being  impossible  to  plumb  slates,  by  virtue  o!  the  7th  article  of  the  law  of  the  17th  of 
December,  1814,  it  is  requi  ed  that  they  be  entered,  examined  and  enumerated  on  the  cus- 
tom-house discharge  by  number,  value,  and  accoiding  to  the  dimensions  admitted  by  the  tarifT 
in  regard  to  slates  imported  by  sea.    (Dec.  adm.  of  the  26th  of  October,  1835.) 

CoRDO.v  Office,  (Bureau  de  cordon.) — By  a  decision  of  the  minister  of  finance  of  the 
21st  of  August,  1839,  the  cordon  office  is  open  to  the  transit  of  the  following  goods: 

Silk  in  cocoons; 

Silk,  unbleached,  raw.  and  dressed; 

Silk  wadding,  uublea.-hed,  dyed  and  carded; 

Copper  ore; 

Pure  copper  of  the  first  melting,  flattened  and  hammered; 

Copper,  with  zinc  alloy,  of  the  first  melting,  flattened  and  hammered; 

Lead; 

Zinc,  with  the  exception  of  that  which  is  worked; 
Pewter,  flattened  or  hammered; 
Iron  ore; 

Iron  castings,  (sows.)  not  excepting  those  that  are  prohibited, 
Iron  bars; 

Steel,  natural  or  cast: 

Hard  and  crushed  sugars; 

Cofll'e; 

Cocoa; 

Indigo; 


I 


Ex,  Doc  No.  57.  341 


Pepper  and  pimento; 

Cloves; 
Cinnamon; 

Dye  and  cabinet  woods; 

Cotton  wool; 

Gum; 

Resin; 

Raw  hides; 

Raw  wool; 

Horns; 

Table  fruits,  and  oleaginous  fruits; 
Olive  oil; 
Tow  and  hemp. 

The  transit  of  these  goods  is  effected  under  the  usual  general  regulations;  only  goods  en- 
t&-in(y  or  issuino-  through  the  cordon  can  only  use  the  route  of  the  river  Rhone;  and  their 
transportation  on  that  part  of  the  river  comprised  within  the  radius  of  the  custom-houses, 
must  be  by  steamboat.    (Circular  manuscript  of  the  10th  of  October;  1839. 


I 

: 


